Aakash Chopra, the former Indian cricketer, recently expressed his views on cricket’s potential inclusion in the Los Angeles Olympics 2028. The topic has generated significant discussion, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially confirmed cricket’s return to the Olympics.
Cricket is slated to be part of the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The sport was previously included in the 1900 Paris Olympics, where only two teams, Great Britain and France, competed. Despite cricket’s global popularity, it has not been part of the Olympic program since then.
Cricket in the Olympics I am all for it: Aakash Chopra
Meanwhile, Aakash Chopra has recently shared his thoughts on what changes are likely expected with cricket being added to the Olympics.
“It can add a new audience. Olympics keep adding new sports events every year, a few old events are done away with. In fact, interestingly, break dance was renamed to breaking as it was given a new avatar. The format made its debut in the Paris Olympics. Cricket will be making its debut in the LA 28 Olympics” said Chopra.
“A new audience will be coming and India-Pakistan matches will be held. The following of the sport will increase with the game now making it to the Olympics. This is what you want as a fan of cricket. Olympis already is the pinnacle, the best event in the world across all sports. The addition of cricket is good for the game as well, why not be a part of the games where every other sport is participating? Cricket in the Olympics, I am all for it.” Chopra concluded saying.
At the Paris Olympics 2024, 117 athletes from various sports represented India, securing a total of six medals—one silver and five bronze.
Manu Bhaker kicked off India’s medal haul with a bronze in shooting, becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal. She made history by being the first Indian to secure two medals in a single Olympics, adding a bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event alongside Sarabjot Singh. Swapnil Kusale also contributed with a bronze in shooting.
In hockey, the Indian men’s team clinched a bronze medal by defeating Spain 2-1. Neeraj Chopra earned a silver in javelin throw, establishing himself as India’s most successful individual Olympian. Additionally, Aman Sehrawat became India’s youngest Olympic medallist with a bronze in wrestling.
Despite these achievements, several key athletes fell short of gold. Lakshya Sen, Mirabai Chanu, and Manu Bhaker were all narrowly defeated in their respective finals. Moreover, Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification before her final match further diminished India’s hopes for a gold medal.
