A committee under India’s Sports Ministry recommends yoga, kabaddi, kho-kho, chess, squash and T20 cricket for inclusion in the Games program.
India is actively promoting its candidacy to host the 2036 Summer Olympics and as part of this initiative is proposing to include six sports popular in the country – yoga, kabaddi, kho-kho, chess, squash and T20 cricket – in the Olympic program.
Suggested sports:
-
- Yoga. An ancient practice that combines physical exercise, breathing techniques and meditation. India is considering introducing yoga as a competitive discipline in the Olympics.
- Kabaddi. A team contact sport popular in South Asia that combines elements of wrestling and agility.
- Kho-kho. A traditional Indian team game requiring speed and tactical thinking.
- Chess. A game with deep roots in India, where it is known as chaturanga. India is seeking to bring chess back into the Olympic program.
- Squash. A racquet sport popular in India and internationally. Squash is already on the program for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
- T20 cricket. A fast and dynamic format of cricket, extremely popular in India. Cricket is also included in the program of the 2028 Olympic Games.
With the expansion of the Olympic program, bookmaker Elonbet login offers new opportunities to bet on the results of competitions in the newly included disciplines. Sports fans can predict the outcomes of T20 cricket matches, squash tournaments and other sports.
India’s strategy
India has sent an official letter to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) expressing its intention to host the Olympic Games in 2036. The inclusion of national sports in the Olympic program is part of a strategy to strengthen its bid and promote Indian culture on the world stage.
The IOC allows host countries to propose the inclusion of new sports in the Games program based on their popularity in the region. For example, the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles will feature cricket, squash, flag soccer, lacrosse and baseball/softball, reflecting the interests of the host country.
Prospects
India is actively working to promote its national sports in the Olympic arena, which could enrich the Games program and draw attention to the country’s rich cultural heritage. The final decision on the inclusion of these disciplines will depend on the IOC’s evaluation and agreement with the international federations of the respective sports.