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Ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has unanimously re-elected Nita M. Ambani as the IOC member from India. This marks a significant milestone for India's growing influence in the global sporting arena.Nita Ambani, the leading Indian philanthropist and Founder of the Reliance Foundation, was first appointed to the IOC in 2016. Since then, she has played a pivotal role in strengthening the Olympic Movement in India and worldwide.As India's first woman to join the IOC, Ambani has championed India's sporting ambitions and Olympic vision. She recently hosted the first IOC session in Mumbai in over 40 years, showcasing India's transformation and aspirations to the world.Through the Reliance Foundation, Ambani empowers millions of Indians with resources and opportunities. Her initiatives span sport, education, health, art, and culture, aiming to improve lives across the country.Reliance Foundation is at the forefront of driving India's sports growth. Its programs reach over 22.9 million children and youth, promoting a variety of sports, especially in remote areas.As part of a partnership with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Reliance Foundation will open the first-ever India House at the Paris Olympics 2024. This "home away from home" for athletes will celebrate India's Olympic journey and demonstrate its ambitions to become a global sports powerhouse.Ambani's re-election to the IOC is a testament to her dedication to the Olympic Movement and her unwavering commitment to promoting sports in India. It also reflects India's growing stature in the international sporting community.

Abhinav Bindra, the legendary Indian shooter who etched his name in Olympic history as the first Indian to win an individual gold medal, has been bestowed with the prestigious Olympic Order. This accolade, the highest honor bestowed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), recognizes Bindra's exceptional contributions to the Olympic movement.Bindra, a member of the IOC Athletes Commission, is the first Indian to receive this coveted award. The decision to confer the Olympic Order on Bindra was made at the IOC Executive Board meeting in Paris on Saturday. The announcement was met with widespread acclaim from prominent figures in the sports world.In a letter dated July 20, 2024, IOC President Thomas Bach informed Bindra of the honor, stating, "It is with great pleasure that I inform you that the IOC Executive Board has today decided to award you with the Olympic Order for your outstanding services to the Olympic November."The award ceremony will take place during the 142nd IOC Session in Paris on August 10. Bach expressed his sincere congratulations to Bindra, saying, "May I take this opportunity to address you my most sincere congratulations on this award. Looking forward to seeing you in Paris."Among those who extended their congratulations to Bindra was Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Dr. Mandaviya hailed Bindra's achievement, saying, "Congratulations to @Abhinav_Bindra on being awarded the Olympic Order for outstanding contributions to the Olympic Movement! His achievement fills us with pride and is truly well-deserved. His name alone has inspired generations of shooters and Olympians."The official handle of IPL side Lucknow Super Giants also celebrated Bindra's honor, posting a photo of him winning India's maiden individual gold medal in men's 10m air rifle in Beijing 2008, accompanied by the caption, "History-maker, once again, Congratulations Abhinav Bindra."Bindra's Olympic Order award is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the Olympic movement and his exceptional achievements as an athlete. His legacy as a pioneer in Indian sports continues to inspire generations of athletes and sports enthusiasts alike.

Esports to Make Olympic Debut in 2025, Elevating Status and OpportunitiesThe Esports Federation of India (ESFI) has hailed the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision to host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025. This landmark move marks a significant milestone in the global recognition and growth of esports, providing a prestigious platform for athletes worldwide to showcase their skills.The IOC's partnership with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia will bring the Olympic Esports Games to life. The event will feature a standalone multi-national format, with details such as venue, timings, titles, and qualification process to be announced at the upcoming IOC session on the eve of the Paris Olympics.Lokesh Suji, ESFI director and vice-president of the Asian Esports Federation (AESF), expressed his excitement over the decision. "This is the news we have all been waiting for," he said. "The Olympic Esports Games will elevate the status of esports and pave the way for greater opportunities and support for players and enthusiasts in India and beyond."The Olympic Esports Games will provide a global stage for esports athletes to compete at the highest level. It will also serve as a catalyst for the development of esports infrastructure, training programs, and recognition for esports professionals.The IOC's decision reflects the growing popularity and legitimacy of esports as a competitive sport. With millions of players and viewers worldwide, esports has become a major force in the entertainment industry. The inclusion of esports in the Olympics will further legitimize the sport and attract new audiences.The Olympic Esports Games will also have a positive impact on the esports ecosystem in India. It will inspire young players to pursue esports as a career and encourage the development of esports academies and training facilities.