The inclusion of cricket in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games sports programme is a welcome addition with the potential to attract new opportunities for the Olympic movement across newer geographies in the world, Nita Mukesh Ambani, IOC member from India said on October 16. Expressing her delight after the 141st IOC Session's nod to the inclusion of cricket as an Olympic sport, the Reliance Foundation Chairperson said, “As an IOC member, a proud Indian, and an ardent cricket fan, I am delighted that IOC members have voted to include Cricket as an Olympic Sport in the LA Summer Olympics 2028."
In the history of the Olympics, cricket has featured as one of the sports only once in 1900, which was played by only two participating teams.
“Cricket is one of the most loved sports globally, and the second most watched. For 1.4 billion Indians, cricket is not just a sport, it's a religion!” Ambani further noted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on October 14, inaugurated the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai. "Indians are very excited about hosting the Olympics Games. India will leave no stone unturned in organising the 2036 Olympics," said the prime minister addressing the delegation.
Also Read: IOC Session: Cricket, Olympics & a billion aspirations
This is the second time India is hosting the IOC meeting. India first hosted an IOC Session in 1983, which was held at the national capital Delhi.
Historic resolution
Held on an annual basis, the IOC Session is a general meeting of the IOC members to undertake critical decisions related to host nations/cities for upcoming international sporting events, the election of IOC members and office-bearers, inclusion or exclusion of sports and federations, as well as amendments in the Olympic Charter.
“I’m delighted that this historic resolution was passed at the one hundred and forty-first IOC Session taking place right here in our country in Mumbai,” Ambani, who has been an IOC member since 2016, further noted.
In February 2022, the Nita Ambani-led Indian delegation presented a compelling pitch at the 139th IOC session in Beijing for hosting the 141st session in Mumbai. It would also be interesting to note that Nita Ambani is the first woman from India to be elected as an IOC member.
Also Read | MC Explains: Why the 141st International Olympics Session is crucial for Indian sports
“The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics will create deeper engagement for the Olympic Movement in newer geographies. And at the same time, provides a boost to cricket’s growing international popularity," Ambani further commented.
Ambani has played a pioneering role in bolstering youth sports in the country. The Reliance Foundation's sporting initiatives, with a nationwide penetration, have touched the lives of 2.15 crore youth across India under her leadership.
Disclaimer: Moneycontrol is a part of the Network18 group. Network18 is controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
