CRICKET Papua New Guinea’s Chief Executive Officer Richard Done has welcomed the initiative by Los Angeles (LA) 2028 Olympic Games organising committee to include cricket at the Games.
The decision will be ratified at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board meeting in Mumbai next week and CPNG board is pleased the idea will boost top tier cricket.
“The decision to recommend cricket to the IOC Executive Board has been the outcome of years of effort by the ICC and its members, and Cricket PNG congratulates everyone involved.”
“This clearly fits in with two of Cricket PNG’s strategic plan pillars – international success, and profile enhancement.
“Being included in the Olympic Games enables PNG cricket to be part of the larger PNG sports environment and provides recognition as a competitive sport.
“There could be opportunities for scholarships for athletes and coaches and additional support for preparation and competition.
“If we have the chance to qualify, it will inspire a new generation of cricketers to be part of a larger Olympic sporting family and form a bond with other Papua New Guinean Olympic sports.”
Moreover, Cricket PNG board member Tamzin Wardley, who has served with the PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC), including roles as treasurer and Team PNG’s chef-de-mission to the Tokyo Olympics, said: “This is fantastic news.”
“Cricket PNG is already a part of our National Olympic Committee and has been financial for a very long time.
“The PNGOC is also the Commonwealth Games Association for PNG and the Pacific Games Association for PNG, and cricket has been part of both organizations.
“To be a competition sport in Los Angeles is exciting news for cricket in PNG.”
He said Cricket PNG is thrilled to strengthen its already strong links with PNGOC.
“The inclusion of cricket into the Olympic Games will generate interest and increase participation of the game in non-cricket playing nations,” Wardley said.
