Nita Ambani, a prominent figure in Indian sports and philanthropy, has been highlighted by leading French newspapers as a key ambassador for India's aspirations to host the 2036 Olympics. Her influence and commitment to promoting sports in India have positioned her as a significant advocate in the nation's bid.
According to a report by Le Figaro, a renowned French newspaper, Nita Ambani commented on the potential bid for Ahmedabad, the economic heart of Gujarat, to host the 2036 Olympic Games. She noted that while the bid has not yet been officially made, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed a clear intention for India to be a contender for the 2036 Games. Modi, who has strong ties to Gujarat as a former Chief Minister, was re-elected for a third consecutive term in June, reinforcing his support for the initiative.
Nita Ambani has been a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 2016 and was recently re-elected. Her role in the IOC and her leadership of the Reliance Foundation have been instrumental in advancing India's presence in the global sports arena. The Reliance Foundation, under her guidance, supported the establishment of the first 'India House' in Olympic history. This colorful pavilion, designed to resemble the Maharajah's Palace, is located in the Parc de la Ville, near the houses of Brazil and Colombia. It serves as a cultural and social hub for Indian athletes and visitors during the Olympics.
Despite being the world's most populous country, India has yet to become a dominant force in the Olympics. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, India has historically struggled to achieve significant success in the Games. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, India fielded 117 athletes across 16 events but has only accumulated 10 gold medals in its history of participation in 25 Summer Olympics. This pales in comparison to France's 220 gold medals and China's 260.
However, the Reliance Foundation, spearheaded by Nita Ambani, is making strides to change this narrative. The foundation is supporting several national champions, including Jyoti Yarraji, who made history as the first Indian woman to complete the 100-meter hurdles in under 13 seconds. Yarraji's story is particularly inspiring, as she comes from a humble background; her mother works as a maid, and her father is a security guard. Nita Ambani highlighted Yarraji's achievements as a symbol of hope and aspiration for Indian youth, calling her the “Queen of Sprinting.”
The ambition to host the 2036 Olympics is part of a broader vision to elevate India's status in the global sporting community. Hosting the Games would not only be a monumental event for India but also a catalyst for further development in sports infrastructure and talent nurturing. Nita Ambani's role as an advocate and leader in this bid underscores her commitment to this vision.
As India looks forward to potentially hosting the 2036 Olympics, the efforts of leaders like Nita Ambani and the support from institutions like the Reliance Foundation will be crucial. Their work aims to inspire a new generation of athletes and transform India's sporting landscape, ensuring the country can compete on the world stage and achieve Olympic glory.