Founder chairperson of Reliance Foundation, Nita Ambani has been nominated as an independent candidate to be a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), as announced on Friday.
The election for the membership is a scant formality and has been slated for August 2 to August 4, at the 129th IOC Session at Rio de Janeiro, said an official. As per the revised selection procedure, Ambani, when elected, will serve as a member until age 70.
IOC President, Thomas Bach announced the eight candidates at a press conference in Lausanne. “This is a very outstanding group of personalities that are experts in their respective fields,” he said.
The listing includes Anant Singh of South Africa, a prolific film producer who was brought up in the country’s apartheid era and wrote a book on the late President Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom. He also produced a movie, “Yesterday”, that was South Africa’s first Oscar nomination.
Among Indians, Ambani will be the first 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 serving as an honorary member of the IOC.
The 52-year-old social entrepreneur said, ” It is truly an honour and a privilege to be nominated by IOC. I believe in the power of sport to shape our youth to bring together communities and bridge gaps between cultures and generations.”
She added, “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 the IOC.”
Tags: International Olympic Committee IOC Nita Ambani Nita Ambani IOC Reliance Foundation
