Sachin Tendulkar, Abhinav Bindra Back Nita Ambani's Nomination To The IOC

The sporting fraternity, including cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra, on Friday welcomed Nita Ambani's nomination to the International Olympic Committee and said they look forward to "betterment and development" of sport in India.

Billionaire Mukesh Ambani's wife Nita has been nominated for membership in the International Olympic Committee 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.

The Switzerland-based IOC is the supreme authority of the Olympic Movement and is responsible for holding of the summer and winter Olympics and Paralympics.

Beijing Games gold medallist Bindra was quick to welcome the development.

"Congratulations To Mrs Nita Ambani for her nomination to the IOC In 'recognition of passionate work in education and sports'".

"Really look forward to her passionate involvement in the betterment and development of Indian Olympic Sport!"

In a lighter vein, Bindra further said, "Mrs Nita Ambani to be an IOC member from India ? How about sponsoring the Indian Olympic Team as a goodwill gesture!

"Lovely to see Bollywood coming out in full force felicitating Mrs ambani. Unprecedented love for the Olympic Movement! #new era."

"Congratulations #NitaAmbani on nomination to #IOC. Her passion for sports development is laudable. Proud moment for India & Women Power!" batting great Tendulkar wrote on his twitter handle.

Five-time World and Asian women's boxing champion MC Mary Kom, who is an Olympic bronze medal winner, and tennis legend Leander Paes promptly expressed their satisfaction while congratulating the founder and chairperson of Reliance Foundation.

"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 tweeted.

Paes, a winner of numerous Grand Slams besides clinching a bronze medal at the Atlanta Olympic in 1996, said, "Couldn't have nominated a better individual to represent India as a Member of the @iocmedia. Proud of you Nita Ambani."

Former Indian Olympic Association (IAO) secretary general Raja Randhir Singh, who is currently a honorary member of the IOC after being a member from 2000-2014, also welcomed the move.

"I welcome the nomination and it's great news for Indian sports. I am sure this can only benefit sports in out country," Randhir said.

Tendulkar and Bindra were in April roped in as ambassadors for the Indian team for the upcoming Rio Olympics.