Nita Ambani, an eminent sports promoter and founder-chairperson of Reliance Foundation, was elected as an individual member of International Olympic Committee (IOC). She is the first Indian woman to join this body that governs Olympic sports globally.
Even though she was nominated by the IOC Executive Board, and elected by IOC members with a vote, her appointment is being severely criticised by many users on social media.
But let’s look at what she has accomplished:
- Nita leads all of Reliance Industries’ sports initiatives, notably in cricket, football, basketball, kabaddi, tennis and golf, either through the company, the foundation or its joint ventures.
- Nita encourages focus on sport in Dhirubhai Ambani International School as well as in the 13 other institutions that Reliance Foundation runs under her care.
- Grassroots programmes that have been spearheaded by Reliance Foundation have reached out to over three million children.
- IOC is looking to include cricket in its fold and Nita’s understanding of it as the owner of Mumbai Indians will be helpful.
- She helped to encourage football like never before, with her venture with the ISL.
- Nita’s experience as a media house owner will benefit IOC which is also all set to launch an Olympic TV channel.
- Having an active Indian on the panel will be very beneficial to India.
Apart from all the criticism that stems out of an ignorance of her contribution to sports, the rest are simple misogynistic or rich-hating.
It is undeniable that her privilege has a large role to play in getting her here. However, to represent India at an international forum, should it not be somebody who is both skilled and experienced?
After all, the IOC does not just want sportspersons as members. They wish to enhance their diversity with people from different genders, geographies and back grounds so that they can come together and combine their expertise in various fields.
Some Bouquets, With All Those Brickbats
(Source: DailyO.in)
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