Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah has expressed happiness over the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and said the Board has been a staunch supporter of the efforts of the International Cricket Council to get the sport into the Olympics. and the move will open new frontiers for the game. Cricket will be part of the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028, returning to the multi-sport extravaganza after 128 years, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Monday. “The BCCI has been a strong supporter of the ICC’s efforts to include cricket as an Olympic sport. We are very pleased to witness this momentous event, which marks an important milestone for the sport. Our active participation has a played an important role in promoting the cause for cricket.” participation in the Olympic Games. This initiative is in line with the idea of India hosting the 2036 Olympic Games as envisioned by our Prime Minister (Narendra Modi),” Jay Shah said in a statement.
The BCCI secretary said that Team India has a strong following and their participation in the Olympics will enhance the stature of the game.
“The Indian cricket team has an unparalleled global fan base, and their participation in this prestigious quadrennial event will undoubtedly enhance the global status of the sport. Our contributions were crucial in securing cricket’s presence at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the 2022 Asian Games in China,” he said.
“The inclusion of cricket in the Olympic Games will open new frontiers for the sport and provide unparalleled exposure to untapped global markets. Furthermore, we expect this decision to deliver significant financial benefits and have a profound positive impact on the ecosystem of our sport. It will boost infrastructure development, intensify competition, boost youth development and create opportunities for civil servants, volunteers and skilled professionals,” he added.
The 2028 event also includes sports such as baseball/softball, lacrosse, squash and flag football. The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games Organizing Committee’s proposal to include these games in the program was accepted at the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai.
Cricket made its only appearance at the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris, where Great Britain defeated France in the final. But it is now played at Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
Two IOC members opposed the proposal and one abstained.
“The proposal of the Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 (@LA28) to include five new sports in the program has been accepted by the IOC session. Baseball/softball, cricket (T20), flag football, lacrosse (sixes) and squash are scheduled to take place in LA28. #IOCMumbai2023,” IOC Media posted to ‘X’.
The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics was welcomed by Nita Ambani, chairperson of the Reliance Foundation and board member of the IOC.
“The inclusion of cricket in the Olympic Games will lead to deeper involvement of the Olympic Movement in newer regions. And at the same time gives impetus to the growing international popularity of cricket. I thank and congratulate the IOC and the LA Organizing Committee for their support of this historic decision. It is truly a day of great joy and jubilation!” said Nita Ambani.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also welcomed the addition of the game to the Olympic roster.
“After more than a century of waiting, our beloved sport is back on the Olympic stage at @LA28. This marks the beginning of a new era for cricket as it will be a golden opportunity to promote inclusivity and bring out new talent to show the emerging cricket world. The start of something very special!” Tendulkar said in a post on X.
The IOC session in Mumbai was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. The session serves as an important meeting of the members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). During the IOC sessions, important decisions are made about the future of the Olympic Games. India is hosting the IOC session for the second time and after a gap of around 40 years. The 86th session of the IOC took place in New Delhi in 1983.
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