New Delhi: Reliance Industries chief Mukesh Ambani's wife Nita Ambani was on Friday nominated for membership in the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and will become the first Indian woman to be on the apex sporting body if she gets elected at the IOC Session scheduled from August 2 to 4.
"Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation has been nominated as a candidate to be a new member, pending election, of the IOC," a statement said.
The election will be held at the 129th IOC Session in Rio de Janeiro on August 2-4.
The independent selection process follows a new procedure for recruitment of IOC members based on the Olympic Agenda 2020 recommendations. Once elected, she will continue to be a member until the age of 70.
Ambani is the first Indian woman to be nominated to the IOC.
Some of India's greatest sports personalities took to social micro-blogging site Twitter to express their sentiments about this new development.
Congratulations #NitaAmbani on nomination to #IOC. Her passion for sports development is laudable. Proud moment for India & Women Power!
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 3, 2016
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
Congratulations To Mrs Nita Ambani for her nomination to the IOC In "recognition of passionate work in education and sports"
— Abhinav Bindra (@Abhinav_Bindra) June 3, 2016
Really look forward to her passionate involvement in the better meant and development of Indian Olympic Sport !
— Abhinav Bindra (@Abhinav_Bindra) June 3, 2016
Congrats Mrs.Nita Ambani on IOC nomination!Making India proud with grassroots work and now at the highest level as well!Hope to see you soon
— Mary Kom (@MangteC) 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
