On Thursday, Nita Ambani became the first woman from India to be elected as member of the apex Olympic Movement body, International Olympic Committee.
Mrs. Ambani is not a new name to the Indian sports industry as she has been seen at various sporting arena all through past few years. The Founder Chairperson of Reliance Foundation has been involved with the Indian Super League (ISL), the high profile Indian Premier League with her team Mumbai Indians and with several sports grassroots program through the foundation.
Mixed responses came from various quarters of India on her elevation to the IOC membership.
While there were questions raised over her eligibility for the job, the big and populars of Indian sports congratulated Mrs. Ambani on her election.
Hockey India, through their official social media window, Hockey India League, wrote in their congratulatory message “Congratulations from Coal India #Hockey India League to Mrs. Nita Ambani for becoming the first Indian Woman to be elected as Member of International Olympic Committee on 4 August 2016!”
Indian Tennis sensation Sania Mirza wrote on her twitter handle “Congratulations to #NitaAmbani on her election to the IOC. Her passion and commitment to the growth of sport across the country is amazing :)”
Indian Actress Priyanka Chopra wrote on her twitter handle “So very proud of you #NitaAmbani. 1st Indian woman to be elected to the IOC.Indian sports needs a passionate supporter like you. #WomanPower”
While Congress MP from Rohtak wrote on his twitter handle “Why Nita Ambani, why not PT Usha? What is this? Who sent her name? Is it all about money?”
Iconic Tennis Player Leander Paes wrote on his microblogging handle, “Big congrats to Nita Ambani on being elected to the International Olympic Committee. Here’s to a successful tenure!”
Indian Badminton sensation Saina Nehwal wrote “Good to see a woman represent Indian sport at a global level. Congratulations Nita Ambani on being elected to the IOC”
Congress Leader and AIFF President Praful Patel wrote on his twitter handle “Congratulations to Nita Ambani for getting elected to the International Olympic Committee in #Rio today.”
Mrs. Ambani, 52, is the only current active individual member of the IOC from India and will serve the IOC until she attains the age of 70. Former Indian Olympic Association Secretary General, Randhir Singh, who served as IOC member from India from 2001-2014, is currently an honorary member.