Nita Ambani elected as first Indian woman member of International Olympic Committee

 

Nta Ambani, founder-chairperson of Reliance Foundation, has been elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee. She is the first Indian woman and the third individual to become a member of the IOC after the late Sir Dorabji Tata and Raja Randhir Singh, who is currently an honorary member of the IOC.

The decision was taken in the 129 IOC Session in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday. Mrs. Ambani, who was nominated for the membership on June 3, will continue to serve as a member of the IOC until she reaches 70 years of age.

"I believe in the power of sport to shape our youth, to bring together communities and bridge gaps between cultures and generations," the 52-year-old social entrepreneur had said when she was nominated for the post.

"I am grateful to IOC for this opportunity, it's a recognition of India and Indian women. I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute in meeting the goals of IOC."

Mrs. Ambani spearheads all of Reliance Industries' initiatives in sports, notably cricket, football, basketball, kabaddi, tennis and golf, either through the company, the foundation or its joint ventures.

Sports is also an important component at the 13 schools overseen by her - which educate more than 15,000 students - and at the Dhirubhai Ambani International School and the Reliance Foundation, company officials said.

"Her grassroots programmes have reached out to over 3 million children."