In order to bring cricket to the Youth Olympics in 2030, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has hinted that it may work with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Government of India's announcement last year that it plans to submit a bid for the 2030 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Mumbai, in addition to the 2036 Olympics, serves as the foundation for the ICC claim. In an email exchange, Vivek Gopalan exchanged the idea of including cricket in the Youth Olympics with ICC's General Manager of Development William Glenwright. Glenwright responded positively to the idea and said, "It's a good idea and something we could look at." PCI President Devendra Jhajharia Confident of 25 Medals’ Target for Indian Contingent Despite Pramod Bhagat Suspension in Paris Paralympics 2024.

Vivek Gopalan's idea and William Glenwright's idea was further taken to ICC CEO Geoff Allardice, Wasim Khan, Claire Furlong, and Chris Tetley. Gopalan further included that there is a strong chance for including cricket at the 2030 Youth Olympics, with India planning to bid for the event in Mumbai and for the 2036 Olympics in Ahmedabad. While writing to the ICC official, Vivek Gopalan, "There is a strong for cricket at Youth Olympic Games (YOG) with Mumbai bidding to host 2030 YOG. No less a person than Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now publicly proclaimed India's desire to host both the 2030 YOG and 2036 Olympics." Indian Wrestler Vinesh Phogat Holds Roadshow in Delhi Along With Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik.

While addressing the IOC session in Mumbai in 2023, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi had hinted at bidding for the 2030 Youth Olympics in Mumbai. However, in the current scenario, the Indian government's focus has shifted to bidding for the 2036 Olympics.

The email to the ICC representative makes many reasons in favour of cricket's inclusion in the Youth Olympic Games (YOG). It says,  "All top sports, including Rugby Sevens, are part of the YOG. Why not Cricket? Including Cricket in the YOG would revolutionize grassroots cricket globally, especially among the ICC Associates."

The statement further adds, "Now that ICC has formed strong links with IOC and IOC recognizes that the "cricket brand " can enhance the "Olympic Brand " it would not be a difficult task to convince IOC to include Cricket as a core sport in the Youth Olympics."

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 17, 2024 05:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).