Nita Ambani, the founder and chairperson of the Reliance Foundation was formally elected as an individual member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at its 129th session in Rio.

With this achievement she became the first Indian woman member of the International Olympic Committee and her new position will run till she attains the age of 70.

The IOC Executive Board had nominated Ms. Ambani, who also founded the Indian Super League football tournament, to the committee in June this year. She was nominated following an independent selection process driven by the Olympic Agenda 2020 recommendations.

Ms. Ambani soon her election, that, “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. I have always believed in the power of sport to shape our youth.”

“I believe that sport brings together communities, cultures, and generations, and has the power to unify and unite people. I look forward to spreading the spirit of Olympics and sports across our nation,” she said.

Also Read: Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to flag off ‘Run for Rio’ event on July 31!

Nandini