Nita Ambani, founder chairperson of Reliance Foundation and wife of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) chairman Mukesh Ambai, was today elected as an individual member of International Olympic Committee (IOC), becoming the first Indian woman to join the prestigious body which governs Olympic sports in the world.
She is the only individual member from India and her appointment at the world body is until she attains the age of 70.
After being nominated in June 2016 by the IOC Executive Board, Nita Ambani was elected by IOC members in Rio de Janeiro today at the 129th IOC Session.
Former Indian Olympic Association Secretary General, Randhir Singh, who served as IOC member from India from 2001-2014, is currently an honorary member of the world body.
The independent selection process follows a new procedure for the recruitment of IOC members based on the Olympic Agenda 2020 recommendations.
As founder and chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, Nita has been steering initiatives in the area of education, sports, health and art and culture. She is also the architect of the Indian Super League, a popular football league in India.
“She is involved in promoting multiple sports in India with focus on developing talent through a number of large-scale grassroots initiatives,” a press release by Reliance Foundation said.
“The grassroots programmes that she has initiated have reached out to over 3 million children in multiple sports. She is the architect of Indian Super League which has helped in raising the profile of Indian football,” it added.
Commentng on her election, Nita Ambani said, “I am truly humbled and overwhelmed to be elected by the IOC. This is a recognition of the growing importance of India in the world stage and a recognition for Indian women.”
“I have always believed in the power of sport to shape our youth. I believe that sports brings together communities, cultures, and generations has the power to unify and unite people. I look forward to spreading the spirit of Olympics and sports across our nation,” she added.
