India, which became the world’s most populous country earlier this year, is now even more powerful as a sports powerhouse.
On Saturday, Disney’s Hotstar regained the world record for on-demand video streaming by drawing 35 million concurrent viewers to the ICC World Cup 2023 cricket match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. The figure surpassed the previous record of 32 million concurrent viewers set in May for this year’s Indian Premier League championship match.
These historical figures helped the International Olympic Committee complete the process on Monday to add cricket to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The fact that the decision was made in Mumbai, India’s most populous city, only added to what International Cricket Council president Greg Barclay called “a bonus.”
The decision is expected to increase the value of the 2028 Olympic rights in India by more than $100 million.
Aspirations for hosting the Olympics
India is also interested in hosting the 2036 Olympics. An IOC decision on these Games won’t be made until at least 2026, but the country will likely be competing with Poland, Mexico and Indonesia, which have also expressed interest in the 2036 Games.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Indians are not just sports enthusiasts, but we love sports.” “India is making all possible preparations to successfully host the Olympic Games in 2036. This is the dream of the people of India.” [1.4 billion] Hey Indian. ”
Prime Minister Modi and other leaders have not named a city or region as a focal point for the bid, but Ahmedabad, home to a 132,000-seat stadium named after the prime minister, is a likely candidate.