Nita Ambani, founder-chairperson of Reliance Foundation, has been nominated as an independent candidate to be a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The election for membership, which officials say is just a formality, is scheduled at the 129th IOC Session at Rio de Janeiro between 2-4 August.
According to new selection process, Ambani, when elected, will continue to serve as a member of the IOC until she reaches 70 years of age.
IOC President Thomas Bach, announcing the eight candidates at a press conference in Lausanne, said: “This is a very outstanding group of personalities that are experts in their respective fields.”
The list, according to IANS, also includes Anant Singh of South Africa, a film producer, who was raised in the country’s apartheid era and wrote a book on late President Nelson Mandela — “Long Walk to Freedom”. He also produced “Yesterday” that was South Africa’s first Oscar nominated movie.
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 an honorary member of the IOC.
Ambani 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.
“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 IOC,” she said in a statement.
Watch what Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, says on her nomination to the IOC.https://t.co/UtzjqcwOSX
— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 3, 2016
Shah Rukh Khan congratulated Ambani on being nominated as a candidate for the IOC member.
His tweet read, “Congrats 2 Nita Ambani on being nominated to International Olympic Committee.Awesum darling.Now sports to b promoted at grassroots level (sic)”
Congrats 2 Nita Ambani on being nominated to International Olympic Committee.Awesum darling.Now sports to b promoted at grassroots level
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) June 3, 2016
Former India cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar, who played for Ambani’s team Mumbai Indians in the IPL, tweeted, “Congratulations #NitaAmbani on nomination to #IOC. Her passion for sports development is laudable. Proud moment for India & Women Power!
Here are some of the other prominent names who wished Ambani on her new feat.
Mrs.Nita Ambani's nomination to be an IOC member is a true testament to her efforts to take sports to every corner of the nation#proudindian
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) June 3, 2016
Mrs Nita Ambani to be an IOC member from India ? How about sponsoring the Indian Olympic Team as a good will gesture !
— Abhinav Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) June 3, 2016
#NitaAmbani nominated to International Olympic Committee (IOC). Many Congratulations Mrs A. Grassroot Olympic sports gets a boost in India.
— Sundar Raman (@ramansundar) June 3, 2016
Congratulation nita Ambani on being nominated for the IOA .Proud moment for india.
— Varun Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) June 3, 2016
Couldn't have nominated a better individual to represent India as a Member of the @iocmedia
Proud of you Nita Ambani.
— Leander Paes (@Leander) June 3, 2016
