NEW DELHI: Nita Ambani, a prominent Indian philanthropist and the Founder of Reliance Foundation, has been unanimously re-elected as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) member from India. The announcement was made by the IOC ahead of the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which is set to take place this weekend.

The decision was made during the ongoing 142nd IOC session in Paris, where she secured a resounding 100% of the vote, reflecting the overwhelming support and confidence in her leadership and contributions to the Olympic movement.

Nita’s journey with the esteemed organization began in 2016 during the Olympic Games held in Rio de Janeiro. As the first female representative from India to be a part of the IOC, she has made significant contributions to the association since her appointment. Simultaneously, Nita has been a strong advocate for India’s athletic aspirations and Olympic goals.

In October 2023, Nita played a crucial role in organizing the IOC session in Mumbai, marking the first time the event was held in the city after a gap of more than four decades. The session was widely praised for presenting a fresh and determined face of India to the global community, highlighting the nation’s readiness to take on new challenges in the world of sports.

Speaking after her re-election, Nita Ambani said “I am deeply honored to be re-elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee. I would like to thank President Bach and all my colleagues in the IOC for their faith and trust in me. This re-election is not just a personal milestone but also a recognition of India’s growing influence in the global sporting arena. I share this moment of joy and pride with every Indian and look forward to continuing our efforts to strengthen the Olympic Movement in India and around the world.”

She is dedicated to empowering millions of people in India by providing them with essential resources and opportunities. Through her leadership, the foundation undertakes various initiatives in the fields of sport, education, health, art, and culture, all with the common goal of enhancing the lives of individuals throughout the nation.

As a driving force behind India’s sports development, Reliance Foundation has been at the forefront of implementing programs that cater to all levels, from grassroots to elite. Since its establishment, the foundation has successfully reached out to more than 22.9 million children and youth across the country. The organization’s primary focus lies in promoting a wide range of sports throughout India, with a special emphasis on remote areas where access to sports facilities and equipment is often limited.

As part of a long-term partnership with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Reliance Foundation is opening the first-ever India House at the Paris Olympics 2024 this summer. India House will be a “home away from home” for athletes, a place to celebrate wins, and share India’s Olympic journey with the world. It demonstrates India’s ambitions to become a dominant force in global sports, fostering greater success at the Olympics and charting a course towards hosting the Games in the future.

Agencies

Agencies