The International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially confirmed that cricket would be included for the first time in 123 years as a discipline in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The announcement, made during the 141st IOC Session held in Mumbai, was met with enthusiastic approval, especially from IOC member Nita M Ambani, who hailed the decision as a significant step forward for the Olympic movement.
Nita M Ambani, a passionate cricket enthusiast, 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.”
Cricket’s inclusion marks a historic return for the sport, which previously featured in the 1900 Olympics but with only two participating teams. Nita M Ambani emphasised, “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.”
The 141st IOC Session in Mumbai holds special significance as the second time the IOC has convened in India, following a 40-year gap. Nita M. Ambani reflected on the historical importance of the decision, stating, “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.”
She sees the inclusion of cricket as an opportunity to expand the reach of the Olympic movement to newer parts of the world, saying, “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.”
As the first Indian woman to become an IOC member, Nita M Ambani celebrated the moment as one of great joy for India and said, “I thank and congratulate the IOC and the LA Organising Committee for their support of this landmark decision. It’s truly a day of great joy and jubilation.”
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