Nita Ambani, the wife of Mukesh Ambani has created history by becoming the first Indian woman to be a member of the International Olympics Committee after she was elected by the at the 129th IOC Session in Rio on Thursday. The IOC Executive Board had nominated her to the committee in June. Ms. Ambani is India’s first woman member of the IOC and her new position will run till she attains the age of 70. She is also the founder of the Indian Super League football tournament, is the only only individual member of the committee from India. The independent selection process follows a new procedure for the recruitment of IOC members based on the Olympic Agenda 2020 recommendations; those nominated are done so wholly on merit and then elected by existing IOC members. She is the founder and chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, and has played a proactive role in the development of IPL team Mumbai Indians and also the Indian Super League.

“I am truly humbled and overwhelmed to be elected by the IOC. This is a recognition of the growing importance of India in the world stage, and a recognition for Indian women. I have always believed in the power of sport to shape our youth. “I believe that sport brings together communities, cultures, and generations, and has the power to unify and unite people. I look forward to spreading the spirit of Olympics and sports across our nation,” said Ms. Ambani soon her election.