Kohli's popularity led to cricket’s return to Olympics
Virat Kohli
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12 Jan 25
Niccolo Campriani president of the organising committee of the Los Angeles Games 2028 Olympics said Indian batsman Virat Kohli's immense popularity on social media played a part in cricket's return to the Olympics after over a century.
Cricket will feature as one of five new sports at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles after being approved on Monday in a vote of the International Olympic Committee's session.
“We all recognise the critical importance of a strong digital presence in order to keep the games relevant for the youth. And cricket is offering a unique platform to do so," Campriani said.
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"Think [about] my friend here Virat. He's the third-most followed athlete in the world on social media with 314 million followers. That's more than LeBron James, Tom Brady and Tiger Woods combined. This is the ultimate win-win for LA 28.
"The IOC and the cricket community as cricket will be showcased on a global stage to grow beyond the traditional cricket countries, while the Olympic movement gains access to previously untapped communities of athletes and fans. It's a great example of how one can reach the other."
Cricket last featured at the 1900 Paris Olympics, when a team from Britain beat a side representing France.
