Rio Olympics Medal Winners Felicitated by IOC Member Nita Ambani

Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, Nita Ambani’s recent election to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was met with much fervor in India. Besides being the first Indian woman member on the committee, she also received the privilege of distributing medals at the grand Rio Olympics.

Medal distribution at Rio Olympics

This opportunity not only gave her the chance to represent India on a global platform, but also reflected her immense interest in sports. The 400m freestyle podium winners were presented with their medals by Nita Ambani on the 8^th of August 2016. Medal winners included Kathleen Ledecky, Jazz Carlin, and Leah Smith, who won gold, silver, and bronze respectively.

Nita Ambani’s role in the development of Indian sports

Nita Ambani has been actively involved in the development of sports in the country through Reliance Foundation. The foundation’s grassroots programs have extended to more than 3 million children so far. Apart from initiating grassroots programs to scout new talent for various sports like basketball and football, Nita Ambani is also the Founder of the Indian Super League (ISL). This league was started off to promote football in the country. So far, it has managed to rise in terms of mass popularity, with the league now in its third edition. Apart from this, Nita Ambani is also the owner of Indian Premier League (IPL) team, Mumbai Indians.

Election to the International Olympic Committee

Nita Ambani’s dedication towards transforming India into a multi-sport nation earned her global recognition when she was nominated and thereafter elected to the International Olympic Committee. The election ceremony took place during the 129^th IOC Session at Rio. The process was completed by adhering to the recommendations of the Olympic Agenda 2020. As per its guidelines, she will hold office as member of the committee till she attains 70 years of age. Previously elected representatives from India in the IOC include Sir Dorabji Tata and Raja Randhir Singh, with the latter presently functioning as an honorary member in the International Olympic Committee.

On her election, Nita Ambani expressed her happiness at a press release by stating that she felt humbled by the gesture. She further elaborated that the opportunity was a moment of recognition for India and Indian women on an international level. Nita Ambani also spoke about her belief in sports, to aid in the development of the country’s youth. She feels that it holds the power to unite people. Post Nita Ambani’s election to the committee, she received a string of congratulatory messages from eminent personalities on various social media platforms like Twitter. Among the many who wished her on the achievement was Reliance’s Sports Division CEO, Sundar Raman.

Summary

IOC member, Nita Ambani receives the opportunity to distribute medals to winners at the Rio Olympics.

Tags: Nita Ambani, Reliance Foundation, Reliance Industries Limited