In a significant development, cricket in the T20 format was officially added in the additional sports category for the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 (LA28). The decision, made during the 141st Session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Mumbai, marked a pivotal moment for long standing cricket fans.
The sport will be making a return to the Olympic Games after a significant hiatus, while flag football and squash are set to make their Olympic debut in LA. IOC President Thomas Bach emphasized that the selection of these sports aligned with the American sports culture, intending to engage new athlete and fan communities both in the United States and worldwide.
Celebrating the announcement, Indian cricket legend, Sachin Tendulakar, said, “After a wait of more than a century, our beloved sport is back on the Olympic stage at @LA28. This marks the dawn of a new era for cricket as it will be a golden opportunity to foster inclusivity and showcase new talent from emerging cricketing nations. A start of something truly special!”
LA28 Chairperson Casey Wasserman expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to create a compelling Olympic Games program, aiming to captivate audiences globally. The selection process, considering various evaluation criteria, including gender equality and the utilization of existing facilities, led to the inclusion of these sports, reflecting a comprehensive and inclusive approach.
Furthermore, the IOC Session supported the recommendation to include modern pentathlon and weightlifting, acknowledging the modifications and efforts by the respective governing bodies to meet the requirements set forth by the IOC. The final athlete quotas for the Olympic Games LA28 will be determined following the Paris 2024 Games, ensuring a balanced and engaging Olympic experience for participants and audiences alike.
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