Reliance Foundation’s work reflects Olympic values and approach, says IOC President Thomas Bach

Reliance Foundation Chairperson Nita Ambani and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach during an event at Reliance Corporate Park, in Navi Mumbai (Photo: PTI)

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach lauded Reliance Foundation and its Chairperson Nita M Ambani in his opening address on the opening day of the IOC Executive Board meeting in Mumbai on October 12.

Bach said he was impressed with what he saw on his visit to Reliance Foundation Young Champs Academy in Navi Mumbai.

"Most of the kids are coming from underprivileged families and they are being offered education and schooling. But at the same time, they are given the opportunity to train and to prepare for becoming an athlete, a high-level athlete,” said Bach.

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The new cooperation was agreed upon by Bach and  Reliance Foundation Founder Chairperson Nita Ambani, during their visit to the Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) football academy in Mumbai, which Bach alluded to.

“This is something that exactly reflects our Olympic values and our approach, which we have in our strategies. But to see it on such a scale and being done, you know, by a private entity, which is the Reliance Foundation, guided by our colleague – that’s really very, very impressive and very encouraging also for the future of sport, of Olympic sport in India,” Bach added.

Nita Ambani,  a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), along with her husband Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries Limited, hosted IOC President Thomas Bach at their residence ahead of the 141st IOC Session to be held between in Mumbai between October 15-17.

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India is hosting the 141st IOC session at Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Center from October 15 to 17, 2023.