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Nita Ambani has played a crucial role in taking Indian sport forward from the grassroots level to the Olympics. read more
 "Nita Ambani driving India's sporting and Olympic ambitions")
The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach (R) and IOC member Nita Ambani exchange pennants at an event to launch the Olympic Values Education Program (OVEP) at the Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) football academy in Navi Mumbai in 2023. AFP
Building on the momentum of hosting the 2023 IOC Session, India is taking a bold step forward with the “ India House ” at the upcoming Paris Olympics. This landmark initiative, led by Nita Ambani - the first Indian woman on the International Olympic Committee - aims to propel India towards becoming a global sporting powerhouse.
First-ever India House at the Paris Olympics
The India House, located in the heart of Paris’ largest fan zone, will be a hub for showcasing India’s cultural evolution and sporting achievements. It will serve as a “home away from home” for Indian athletes, offering support and fostering a sense of community.
The India House will be situated in one of the largest fan zones in Paris called La Villette in North-East Paris, which is one of the official fan parks for the Olympics. The fan zone in La Villette is expected to be home to 14 Country Houses, including hosts France. With the host Country House also in the same fan park, the footfall is anticipated to be the highest in La Villette out of the three fan parks.
India are the only South Asian nation to have a country house at the Paris Olympics.
Nita Ambani’s sports initiatives
Elected as an IOC member in 2016, Nita Ambani has been instrumental in promoting Indian sports on the world stage. She has worked on numerous IOC Commissions, bringing valuable international experience to India’s efforts to transform sports and engage with the Olympic movement.
Her involvement in the Olympic movement was crucial in India winning a bid to bring the IOC Session 2023 to Mumbai – the
first time in 40 years.
During the IOC Session, Nita Ambani hosted IOC President Thomas Bach with her vision and work earning praise from the former fencer.
In 2023, Reliance Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IOC President Thomas Bach to implement the Olympic Values Education Program (OVEP) in India, furthering Ambani’s vision of embedding Olympic values in the country’s youth.
Nita Ambani’s IOC journey
Ambani’s election as an IOC member signifies the organisation’s effort to bring in fresh perspectives and skills. She serves on several IOC Commissions, including the Olympic Channel, Olympic Education, and Culture and Olympic Heritage.
Olympic Channel (Since 2017): It provides guidance on the operation of the Olympic Channel and advises on its growth and development. The Olympic Channel is an OTT service operated by the IOC.
Olympic Education (Since 2017): This commission advises on the promotion of Olympic values-based education and provides
strategic direction on IOC programmes and activities related to the education of youth through sport.
Culture and Olympic Heritage (2020-present): This commission advises on activities of the Olympic Movement related to culture in the broadest sense; art, history, focus on values, academic research and patrimonial collections.
At the First Global Conference on Faith & Sport in 2016, she spoke on ‘Inspiring a Nation: The Impact of Sport on Society and its Ability to Transcend Differences’.
In 2018, she spoke about the importance of Sports and Education for All at the India Today Conlave.
In 2019, while being referred to as the “First Lady of Indian Sport”, she spoke about the massive business opportunities in the Indian sports sector and invited investments at the Sport Business Summit in London.
At the IOC Session in Mumbai, she addressed the gathering at the opening ceremony about the importance of the Olympic movement and Olympic values.
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English (US) ·