Nita Ambani Becomes First Indian Woman Member Of International Olympic Committee

Nita Ambani has become the first Indian woman member of International Olympic Committee. She was elected at the 129th IOC Session in Rio on Thursday.

Nita, who is the owner of IPL team Mumbai Indians, was nominated in June 2016 by the IOC Executive Board.

The independent selection process follows a new procedure for recruitment of IOC members based on the Olympic Agenda 2020 recommendations. Nita Ambani will continue to be a member until the age of 70.

Sir Dorabji Tata was the first Indian representative in the IOC while Raja Randhir Singh is currently a honorary member of the IOC and he was a member from 2000-2014.

"I am truly humbled and overwhelmed to be elected by the IOC," said Nita Ambani.

"This is a recognition of the growing importance of India in the world stage and a recognition for Indian women," Nita Ambani said in a press release.

"I have always believed in the power of sport to shape our youth. I believe that sports brings together communities, cultures, and generations has the power to unify and unite people. I look forward to spreading the spirit of Olympics and sports across our nation," she added.

Former IPL COO and the current CEO of Reliance's Sports Division Sundar Raman was the first to congratulate Nita Ambani on her feat.

Delighted for Smt Nita Ambani on being elected to the IOC Board @Olympics sports focus for India surely will improve

- Sundar Raman (@ramansundar) August 4, 2016

Nita Ambani has been steering initiatives in the area of education, sports, health and art and culture. She is involved in promoting multiple sports in the country with focus on developing talent through a number of large-scale grassroots initiatives.

The grassroots programmes that she has initiated have reached out to over 3 million children in multiple sports.