In a pivotal meeting held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board gathered for its ongoing session, marking the second day of discussions. This assembly of top IOC officials is proving to be a significant event, with diverse topics on the agenda, including the potential inclusion of cricket at the Los Angeles Olympics 2028 and the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee.
Also Read: IOC Executive Board Meeting: Decisions, Discussions, and the Future of Olympic Sports
One of the most striking proposals put forward during this IOC meeting is the inclusion of cricket at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. Kit McConnell, the Sports Director of the IOC, announced this exciting development. The International Cricket Council (ICC) officially recommended cricket’s inclusion, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s history. If accepted, this would be the first time cricket features in the Olympics since its debut in the 1900 Paris Games.
#WATCH | Maharashtra: International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board meeting underway in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/2bIVO1P4eZ
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ICC Chairman Greg Barclay expressed his delight at LA28’s recommendation and the collaborative efforts to bring cricket back to the Olympic stage. The proposal will now be put forward for approval by the International Olympic Committee.
IOC Suspends Russian Olympic Committee
In a decision that underscores the IOC’s commitment to upholding the principles of the Olympic Charter, the Executive Board has suspended the Russian Olympic Committee with immediate effect. The suspension comes after the ROC unilaterally decided to include the regional sports organizations of Ukraine, namely Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia, as its members.
As a result of this suspension, the Russian Olympic Committee will no longer operate as a National Olympic Committee and will cease to receive funding from the Olympic Movement. Furthermore, the IOC has retained the right to decide on the participation of individual neutral athletes with Russian passports in the upcoming Paris Olympics in 2022.
Historic International Olympic Committee Session in India
This IOC session in Mumbai holds special significance as it is only the second time that India has hosted such a gathering in approximately 40 years. The session is expected to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscoring the nation’s commitment to the Olympic movement. These sessions serve as a critical forum where important decisions are made regarding the future of the Olympic Games.
#WATCH | Maharashtra: International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board meeting underway in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/p0lzE3dxgh
— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2023
The meeting in Mumbai is attended by IOC President Thomas Bach, along with other IOC members and prominent Indian sports personalities. It’s also drawing representatives from various sports federations, including the Indian Olympic Association.
Preparations for Paris 2024
As the Olympic community looks ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympics, the IOC Executive Board confirmed plans for the Olympic Qualifier Series. A total of 464 athletes will compete in the series in Shanghai and Budapest, a crucial step in determining which athletes will qualify in BMX freestyle, breaking, skateboarding, and sport climbing. These sports blend athleticism with art, music, and culture, adding a vibrant and youthful dimension to the Olympics.
Additionally, the Executive Board approved three applications for the change of nationality, allowing athletes to represent new countries in their respective sports. This move aims to provide athletes with opportunities to compete at the international level and embrace new horizons in their careers.
