Cricket's Olympic inclusion strengthens India's bond with IOC: Here's how
What's the story
Kirsty Coventry, the first woman to lead the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has said that cricket's return to the Olympic program at Los Angeles 2028 will strengthen the IOC's bond with Indian fans. The sport's inclusion in the upcoming Olympics in the T20 format is a major milestone for both cricket and its global audience. Here are further details.
Future prospects
Coventry's message on cricket's Olympic return
Coventry expressed her thoughts on cricket's Olympic return in a recorded message at the CNBC TV18 Global Leadership Summit. She said, "With cricket returning to the Olympic program at Los Angeles 2028, the connection will only grow stronger." The IOC president also highlighted India's official bid to host the 2036 Olympics, with Ahmedabad as a proposed host city.
Global impact
India has every reason to look to the future: Coventry
Coventry said, "India has every reason to look to the future with great confidence," referring to cricket's Olympic return and India's 2036 Olympics bid. The IOC president also talked about India's record athlete participation and fan engagement in recent years. She said, "India already plays a growing role in this story," highlighting the country's contribution to the Olympic movement.
Broadcast strategy
IOC in search of media partner in India
The IOC is currently looking for a media partner in India to broadcast the Olympic Games. Coventry said, "Here in India, we are conducting an open tender process for media rights." She added that the goal is to find a suitable partner who can take "the magic of the Olympic Games to every corner of this extraordinary country."
Partnership goals
IOC aims to build partnerships promoting integrity, innovation, social impact
Coventry also spoke about IOC's commitment to building partnerships that promote integrity, innovation, and social impact through its global programs. She said, "Our aim is to build on this momentum through partnerships that create shared values-partnerships grounded in integrity, innovation and social impact." The IOC president emphasized the growing synergy between sport and business in India, saying they look forward to new connections with those who share their belief.