The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) revealed on Thursday it has partnered with Reliance Industries to improve Indian athletes’ performances at major sporting events. The pair will collaborate on the first-ever India House starting in Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games.
India House would support multi-sport events such as the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and the Olympic Games. While Olympic Houses are a long-standing tradition at the Olympic Games, India has never been represented.
The implementation of a hospitality house for the Games is not just to help elevate Indian athletes, but the partnership also has the goal to continue building India’s resume with the hopes of one day hosting the Olympic Games.
Nita M. Ambani, IOC member and Director of Reliance Industries Limited, said, “It is our dream to see India take center stage in the global sporting arena. Our partnership with the IOA reinforces Reliance Foundation’s deep commitment to supporting and empowering young athletes across the country with world-class infrastructure and opportunities.”
On the journey to one day host the Olympic Games, India will be hosting the IOC for the 140th IOC Session from May 30-June 1, 2023 at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai. IOC Sessions are the biggest meetings for the International Olympics Committee and are held once per year. All Olympic plans and decisions are finalized at the meetings so being able to host in 2023 is a big step in the right direction for India.
The 140th IOC Session will highlight the role of sport in India and celebrate the contribution of India to the Olympic Movement, Reliance Industries shared in a statement.
IOA Secretary General, Rajeev Mehta, added, “I thank Reliance Industries and Nita Ambani for this partnership with the Indian Olympic Association and for their continued support over the years in supporting Indian sports and inspiring the next generation of children to join the Olympic movement. It will be a momentous occasion to have an India house at Paris 2024. This is a giant step in reiterating India’s commitment to the Olympic Movement.”
With the improvements in athletics seen from India over the last several years and the commitment to improving athletes’ stay at competitions, the nation appears to be moving in the right direction to join powerhouse countries in sport in the coming years.