Daijiworld Media Network - Lausanne
Lausanne, Nov 8: International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry has hailed the return of cricket to the Olympic Games, saying its inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 edition will further strengthen the bond between the Olympics and Indian fans.
Coventry, a former Olympic swimmer with seven medals and the first woman to head the IOC, made these remarks in her recorded address to the CNBC TV18 Global Leadership Summit on Friday from Lausanne, Switzerland.
“With cricket returning to the Olympic programme at Los Angeles 2028, the connection will only grow stronger, bringing the magic of the Games even closer to the hearts of Indian fans,” Coventry said.
Cricket will make its Olympic comeback in the T20 format at the 2028 Games. Coventry added that the IOC aims to build on this momentum through meaningful global partnerships rooted in integrity, innovation, and social impact.
“Our global partners bring expertise, innovation, and resources that support athletes and organisations of the Games. India already plays a growing role in this success story,” she said.
Praising India’s expanding presence in global sports, Coventry noted, “We have seen record athlete participation, millions of passionate fans following the Games, and tremendous excitement across the country.”
Coventry also revealed that the IOC is currently conducting an open tender process to identify the right media partner to telecast the Olympic Games in India.
“Our goal is to find the right partner to bring the magic of the Olympic Games to every corner of this extraordinary country. We look forward to building new connections with those who share our belief that sports and business together can open opportunities, foster inclusion, and inspire the next generation to dream bigger,” she said.
India has officially submitted its bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, proposing Ahmedabad as the host city — a move that Coventry said gives the country “every reason to look to the future with great confidence.”