IOC Pauses Esports Activities Under New President Coventry
Kyodo News
The IOC has paused the Esports Commission's activities under new President Kirsty Coventry, signaling a strategic review of esports integration into the Olympic program. The decision follows former President Thomas Bach's previous push for esports. No timeline for resumption has been announced.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to suspend the activities of its Esports Commission since new President Kirsty Coventry took office, a source close to the matter told Kyodo News on May 4.
According to the source, the decision comes as the IOC reviews its strategy on esports, a field that former President Thomas Bach actively promoted during his tenure. The IOC Esports Commission was established in 2023 with the aim of exploring the potential integration of electronic sports into the Olympic program.
Kirsty Coventry, a former Zimbabwean swimmer, officially became IOC President in March 2025 after her election at the 144th IOC Session. She is the first female president in the organization's 131-year history.
No details have been released on when or under what conditions the Esports Commission's activities will resume. The IOC has not yet issued an official comment on the matter.
Separately, the Japan Olympic Committee (JOC) is considering the possibility of hosting Olympic qualifiers in a bustling Tokyo area, according to another related piece of information from the same source.
