Aakash Chopra shares bold and unfiltered take on Cricket's inclusion in Olympics, says "I'm all for it"
Published - 11 Aug 2024, 11:25 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:17 AM
Aakash Chopra, the former Indian opener has recently spoken about the possibility of cricket being included in the Los Angeles Olympics 2028. There has been a lot said and spoken about it already. Cricket’s entry into the next Olympics was formalized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Cricket is all set to be included in the Los Angeles Olympics 2028. Cricket was a part of the 1900 Olympics in Paris with only two teams - Great Britain and France - competing for medals. However, since then the sport, despite its immense popularity worldwide, has not featured in the Olympic program.
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.
A total of 117 athletes from various sporting disciplines participated in the Paris Olympics 2024. So far India, have won six medals - a silver and five bronze medals in the event.
Manu Bhaker won the first medal for India at the Paris 2024 Olympics. ALso, she bagged a bronze and became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal. She then created history by becoming the first Indian to win two medals at a single edition of the Olympics after she clinched a mixed team 10m air pistol bronze with Sarabjot Singh. Swapnil Kusale then added a third medal in shooting.
Meanwhile, the Indian men's hockey team won a bronze medal beating Spain 2-1. Neeraj Chopra won a silver medal in the javelin throw as he became the most successful individual Olympian from India. Also, Aman Sehrawat became India's youngest Olympic medallist when he won bronze in wrestling.
However, major athletes missed an opportunity to win a gold medal at the Olympics with Lakshya Sen, Mirabai Chanu, and Manu Bhaker all failing at the final hurdle. Also, the unfortunate disqualification of Vinesh Phogat ahead of the final match added to India's woes of not winning gold at the Olympics.
Also Read: Indian hockey vice-captain Hardik Singh laments not winning gold in Paris Olympics