Cricket’s long-awaited return to the Olympics is set to reshape global sports dynamics, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry saying it will strengthen the historic bond between India and the Games. Speaking at the CNBC TV18 Global Leadership Summit on Friday, Coventry highlighted India’s growing role in the Olympic movement while confirming that cricket’s T20 format will debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Addressing the summit virtually from Lausanne, Coventry said that the inclusion of cricket was more than just a sporting decision—it was a cultural bridge. “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,” she said. Her remarks have sparked excitement among Indian sports enthusiasts, especially as the country has officially submitted a bid to host the 2036 Olympics, proposing Ahmedabad as the host city.

Coventry, a seven-time Olympic medalist and the first woman to head the IOC, also underlined the committee’s efforts to expand its partnerships within India. She revealed that the IOC is currently conducting an open tender process to select a media partner to broadcast the Olympic Games across India, ensuring broader access and engagement. “Our goal is to find the right partner to bring the magic of the Olympic Games to every corner of this extraordinary country,” she added.

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The IOC President praised India’s growing contribution to the Olympic movement, noting the rising number of athletes, record fan engagement, and a deepening enthusiasm for global sporting events. “India already plays a growing role in this success story,” she remarked, citing the nation’s expanding sports ecosystem and its impact on the next generation of Olympians.

Coventry also emphasized the importance of building strategic partnerships that uphold integrity, innovation, and social impact. Through the Olympic Partner Programme and global broadcasting collaborations, the IOC aims to enhance opportunities, foster inclusivity, and inspire young athletes worldwide. As India continues its journey toward becoming a leading sporting nation, the revival of cricket at the Olympics could mark a defining chapter in the country’s modern sporting narrative.

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