Nita Ambani elected first Indian woman IOC member

Ambani, who is the only individual member from India, will be at the world body until she attains the age of 70, IOC announced yesterday.

After being nominated in June 2016 by the IOC Executive Board, Nita Ambani was elected by IOC members at the 129th IOC Session.

The independent selection process follows a new procedure for the recruitment of IOC members based on the Olympic Agenda 2020 recommendations; those nominated are done so wholly on merit and then elected by existing IOC members.

After her election Nita Ambani, the architect of the Indian Super League (ISL), 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."  

As Founder and Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, Nita Ambani has been steering initiatives in the area of education, sports, health and art and culture. She is involved in promoting multiple sports in the country with focus on developing talent through a number of large-scale grassroots initiatives. 

The grassroots programmes that she has initiated have reached out to over 3 million children in multiple sports. She is the architect of the Indian Super League which is galvanising Indian football.

"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