India officially made a bid to host the Summer Olympics 2036 along with the Summer Paralympics 2036. The media reports have also revealed the names of the sports that could be added to the Summer Olympics 2036. 

According to several media reports, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has officially made the formal bid to host the Olympics and Paralympics 2036 by sending a letter of intent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It is the initial step for a country to officially announce the hosting 

While Paris in France recently hosted the Summer Olympics (Paris 2024), Los Angeles in the United States and Brisbane in Australia will host the next two Summer Olympics (Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032).

India battling with other strong countries

Some countries are running to secure the hosting rights for the Summer Olympics and Paralympics 2036. India is reportedly fighting against Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Indonesia, Qatar, Poland, Egypt, Hungary, South Korea, etc in the battle for the Summer Olympics and Paralympics 2036 hosting rights.

Only three Asian countries have hosted the Summer Olympics. These Asian countries are China, South Korea, and Japan. Meanwhile, Japan is the only Asian country to host the Summer Olympics twice (1964 and 2020).

I am optimistic: IOA President

IOA President PT Usha is optimistic about India’s chance to host the Summer Olympics and Paralympics 2036.

Usha stated in a statement, “Since last year, we have maintained regular communication with IOC President Thomas Bach and with the officials of the future host commission. We also remained in touch with the officials at the Paris Olympics, during which our officers attended the executive program and observer program organised by the IOC. These interactions and learning led to the submission of the letter of intent in early October.”

“Despite some internal challenges within the IOA, our commitment remains steadfast. I am optimistic that India will be viewed by the IOC as a gracious host.”

Ahmedabad is the frontrunner if India wins the hosting rights for the Summer Olympics and Paralympics 2036. It is likely to be announced at the IOC session in 2015. 

Cricket will be a part if India hosts Olympics 2036

If India hosts the Summer Olympics and Paralympics 2036, yoga, kabaddi, chess, T20 Cricket, and squash can be included.

Cricket is set to return in the next edition, LA28. Previously, the game only featured in the Summer Olympics in 1900. While Brisbane will host the 2032 edition, there is no doubt about the presence of cricket due to a strong culture in the country for the game. 

The Los Angeles Olympic Games organizers are on a quest to find a suitable venue for the cricket competition. Their search may lead them across the country to the East Coast, specifically New York, as they aim to enhance the viewing experience for fans in India. Cricket's return to the Olympics after over 128 years marks a significant moment, and the LA28 team is keen to make it accessible for a global audience.

Adjusting for time zones

Casey Wasserman, head of LA28, shared insights about the potential move to New York during an interview with Cricbuzz. With a time difference of 12 hours and 30 minutes between Los Angeles and India, matches held in LA would be broadcast in the early morning hours for Indian fans. In contrast, New York's time zone offers a more favorable window, where matches starting around 10:30-11:00 AM could be viewed in India at 8 PM. This scheduling strategy is reminiscent of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) approach during the Twenty20 World Cup earlier this summer.

However, the discussion surrounding New York as a venue has not been without controversy. Allegations of financial misconduct have emerged against certain ICC officials, prompting inquiries that could complicate the decision-making process for the LA28 organizers.

Venue challenges

In addition to time zone considerations, the organizers face challenges in identifying a suitable venue for cricket. The United States has very few established cricket grounds, and recent World Cup matches in New York were played in a modular stadium that was dismantled after the event. While Dallas, Texas, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, also hosted World Cup matches, the limited availability of cricket venues remains a hurdle for LA28.

Despite these challenges, LA28 organizers are keen to utilize existing venues to minimize costs. The Sportico website highlighted that cricket presents a unique venue challenge compared to other newly added sports. While LA28 has successfully announced locations for most sports, the cricket venue remains uncertain.

Cricket’s inclusion in the LA28 Games is particularly significant, as it is essential to engage the Indian market—a vital part of cricket's appeal. The last time cricket featured in the Olympics was in 1900 in Paris, making its return a noteworthy development. Alongside cricket, the LA Games will also showcase baseball, softball, flag football, squash, and lacrosse, expanding the Olympic sports landscape.

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As preparations continue for the 2028 Olympics, the search for a cricket venue reflects the organizers’ commitment to ensuring that fans around the world can enjoy this historic sport on a grand stage.

India made a historic mark at the 45th Chess Olympiad held in Budapest, Hungary, as both the men's and women's teams secured their first-ever gold medals. The triumph sparked nationwide celebrations, drawing comparisons to India's major cricket victories. Fans noted a fun moment during the victory celebration, reminiscent of cricketer Rohit Sharma’s famous "robotic walk" from the T20 World Cup earlier this year.

The men's team emerged victorious after defeating Slovenia in the final round. Key players like D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa were instrumental in their success, especially during a standout performance in the 11th round. The women's team also delivered a stunning victory by defeating Azerbaijan with a commanding 3.5-0.5 score.

Celebrations mirror Rohit Sharma's iconic moment

Following their historic wins, both teams gathered on the podium, proudly displaying the Indian flag. In a joyful and lighthearted moment, chess stars D Gukesh and Tania Sachdev recreated Rohit Sharma's robotic walk. The two athletes carried their trophies from opposite ends of the podium, mimicking the famous move, much to the delight of their teammates and fans. Their playful celebration added to the overall excitement and pride of India's double victory.

INDIA BECAME OLYMPIAD CHAMPIONS FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER. 🇮🇳

- They did "Rohit Sharma walk" while receving the Trophy.pic.twitter.com/rItbI45M8z

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 23, 2024

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A landmark achievement in Indian Chess

This double gold at the Chess Olympiad represents a significant milestone for Indian chess. The men’s team showcased outstanding skill and resilience throughout the tournament, while the women's team dominated their opponents with remarkable precision. Both victories have elevated India’s status in the global chess community, signaling a new era for the sport in the country.

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As the teams basked in the glory of their success, fans across India celebrated this momentous achievement, confident that the future of Indian chess looks brighter than ever.

Cricket is set to make a comeback at the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028. It was last included in the Olympics back in 1900. The first-ever India House at the Paris Olympics will celebrate this milestone with a special panel discussion called ‘Cricket at the Olympics – Dawn of a New Era.’

Organized by Dream Sports, the event will take place on the evening of July 28 at India House, located at Parc de La Villette. India House, the country’s first official presence at the Olympics, was created by the Reliance Foundation in partnership with the Indian Olympic Association.

The vision for Cricket’s global growth and diversity

The panel will include Geoff Allardice, CEO of the International Cricket Council, cricket legend Rahul Dravid, and Harsh Jain, CEO & Co-Founder of Dream Sports.

Geoff Allardice, CEO of the International Cricket Council, said, “We continue to focus on the development of cricket across the world, bringing in more fans to the game, opportunities for players to compete at the highest level and now taking cricket to the Olympic stakeholders. The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics marks an important step and we look forward to Paris 2024, as an added impetus to the journey.”

Harsh Jain, CEO & Co-Founder of Dream Sports, said, “Dream Sports and Dream11’s mission is to ‘Make Sports Better’ by providing world-class fan engagement experiences. We are very excited to have the world’s second-largest spectator sport finally included in the next Olympics. This is sure to take the Olympics’ global viewership to an all-time high and encourage more countries to develop cricket programs, promoting the sport’s growth and diversity.”

Dream Sports role in enhancing cricket’s Olympic journey

Cricket and Dream11 have a close relationship, and having cricket in the 2028 Olympics is a big achievement. It will push more countries to start cricket programs, helping the sport grow and become more diverse.

The panel discussion will explore the inclusion of cricket in the LA 2028 Olympics, the growth and opportunities for cricket in both established and new markets, and the worldwide passion of cricket fans.

Usain Bolt, the legendary sprinter and eight-time Olympic gold medalist was recently announced as an ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, marking a significant moment for both cricket and athletics.

Bolt’s Background and Connection to Cricket

Born and raised in the Caribbean island of Jamaica, Bolt’s early sporting endeavors were rooted in cricket. It was only at the urging of his cricket coach in high school that Bolt shifted his focus to track and field events, ultimately embarking on a path that would lead him to become one of the greatest sprinters of all time.

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Bolt’s Role as Ambassador

Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Bolt emphasized the special place cricket holds in his heart, given its integral role in Caribbean culture. He eagerly anticipates contributing his energy and enthusiasm to the prestigious T20 World Cup, aiming to bolster the global growth of cricket.

“I am thrilled to be an ambassador for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Coming from the Caribbean where Cricket is a part of life, the sport has always held a special place in my heart, and I am honored to be part of such a prestigious tournament. I look forward to bringing my energy and enthusiasm to the World Cup and contributing to the growth of cricket globally,” Bolt told the ICC recently.

Bolt’s Expectations for the T20 World Cup

Bolt’s excitement for the upcoming tournament extends beyond the cricketing action. He looks forward to the vibrant party atmosphere synonymous with cricket in the Caribbean and expresses optimism about cricket’s potential to make a lasting impact in the American market.

Bolt added, “America believes a lot in sport and high intensity and for me to get into that market is big,” Bolt suggested. When they follow a sport, they follow a sport properly and they go all in and I feel like if they can crack into it, they will get into it the right way. If we bring energy like I know we will for the T20 (World Cup) it is going to be wonderful.”

Cricket’s Return to the Olympics

As cricket prepares to return to the Summer Olympics in 2028, Bolt reflects on the event’s significance. Drawing parallels with the reverence NBA players hold for Olympic gold, Bolt highlights the unparalleled honor and prestige of winning a gold medal at the Olympics.

“If you listen to NBA players and the way they talk about winning a gold medal, they have won NBA titles, they have their rings, but they are like ‘we went to the Olympics’. The other day I watched the documentary about how they (USA basketball team) lost (at the 2004 Olympics) and there was a Redeem Team (at the Beijing Games in 2008) and the focus and the hard work (they needed to win). That is how big (important) getting a gold medal is. Every sport tries to get into the Olympics because it is such a big thing and it is such a great feeling to be on a podium winning that gold medal,” Bolt noted.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made a strong case for including cricket in the roster for the 2028 edition of the Olympics, which will be held in the American city of Los Angeles (LA). 

This means that after 128 years, cricket could be set for a return to the Olympics.

The British publication Telegraph reported that; The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made a tournament for men and women with six teams for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. According to the report, the qualifying process will be determined by the ICC Men’s and Women’s T20I team rankings, with the top six teams qualifying. In addition, in order to cut costs, the men’s and women’s tournaments could be held separately rather than simultaneously. All teams will be required to name squads of just 14 athletes in order to keep the number of athletes down. 

The six teams will be divided into two groups of three, and the two teams that finish first will advance to the semi-final. The gold medal match will be played by the two teams that won the knockout tie, while the bronze medal playoff will be played by the two teams that lost. Cricket is one of nine sports that have been shortlisted for inclusion alongside baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse, break dancing, karate, kick-boxing, squash, and motorsport in the 28 sports that have been confirmed for the 2028 LA Games. 

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An announcement is likely to be made during the 2023 IOC session in Mumbai, and a final decision on the matter is expected in September. Only once in the history of the Olympics has cricket been included on the roster: in 1900, at the second Olympic Games in Paris. Only France and Great Britain (GB) had competed in the tournament; GB won the gold medal and France took home the silver.

The BCCI on Saturday announced cash rewards for India’s medal winners at the Tokyo Olympics with Rs one crore reserved for Neeraj Chopra, who became the country’s first track and field athlete to win a gold medal. Javelin thrower Chopra secured India’s second individual gold in Olympic history with a sensational performance. In a tweet, BCCI secretary Jay Shah also announced that Rs 50 lakh each will be given to silver medallists — Mirabai Chanu and Ravi Dahiya.

Mirabai Chanu won India’s first weightlifting medal at the Games and Ravi Dahiya became only the second wrestler from the country to win silver after Sushil Kumar (2012). The bronze medallists — wrestler Bajrang Punia, boxer Lovlina Borgohain and shuttler P V Sindhu — will get Rs 25 lakh each. The men’s hockey team which won its first Olympic medal in 41 years will get Rs 1.25 crore.

Later in the day, IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings announced an Rs one crore reward for Chopra. ”As a mark of appreciation and honour on his stellar achievement, CSK is awarding Rs. 1 Crore to Neeraj Chopra,” said CSK in a statement.

”CSK will be creating a special jersey with the number 8758 as a mark of respect to Neeraj Chopra,” it added. Cash rewards to the tune of Rs 9 crores poured in for star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who on Saturday won India’s first-ever track-and-field Olympic medal with a gold-medal-winning feat at Tokyo Games. After Chopra secured India’s second individual gold in Olympic history with a sensational performance, the chief minister of Haryana and Punjab ML Khattar and Amarinder Singh announced cash rewards of Rs 6 crores and 2 crores respectively.

BCCI motivates olympic winners with cash awards.

The BCCI also announced that Rs 1 crore has been reserved for Chopra, who produced a second-round throw of 87.58m in the finals to stun the athletics world and end India’s 100-year wait for a track and field medal in the Olympics. Khattar also announced that Chopra will be made head of the upcoming Centre for Excellence in Athletics in Panchkula. ”As per our sports policy, Neeraj Chopra will get a cash reward of Rs six crore, a Class-I job and a piece of the plot of land at concessional rates,” said Khattar.

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Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Ravi Dahiya has thanked Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar for announcing the construction of an indoor wrestling stadium at his native village Nahri in Sonepat.

Singh also recognised the stupendous achievement of Chopra and announced a special cash reward of Rs. 2 crores in an official statement. Earlier, wrestler Ravi Dahiya had also made the country and Haryana proud by winning an Olympic silver medal. Congratulating Chopra and other medal winners, Khattar said: ”Today is a golden day in the chapter of the history of our sport ”It is a big achievement for the country our athletes have made us proud of. People of Haryana and the country are happy today at the feast of our sportspersons,” Khattar said.

The Chief Minister said that a grand felicitation function will be held in Panchkula On August 13, in which the players from the state who took part in Tokyo Olympics will be honoured. Earlier, he had announced indoor wrestling stadiums in native villages of wrestlers Ravi Dahiya and Bajrang Punia in Sonipat and Jhajjar districts, respectively.

For his bronze medal-winning effort, as per the state’s sports policy, Punia will get a cash reward of Rs 2.5 crore, a piece of the plot at concessional rates and a state government job. The Haryana government will also honour the nine history-making women’s hockey players of the state with cash rewards of Rs 50 lakh each, while an equal amount would be given to each sportsperson of the state who stood at the fourth position in any event in the Olympics.