Nita Ambani, an IOC member and Founder and Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, has unveiled the India House at the Paris Olympics. This marks India’s first-ever country house, providing a dedicated home for Indian athletes participating in the Olympics.
India House has been established through the ambitions of the Reliance Foundation and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). This long-term partnership aims to elevate the performances of Indian athletes, support national sports federations, and build India’s credentials as a global sporting nation, with aspirations to host the Olympic Games in the future.
In a video message, Nita Ambani expressed her excitement, saying, “For the first time, India has a home for our athletes taking part. This is a place where we are going to cheer for our Indian athletes and celebrate them.” She highlighted that India House showcases crafts from Banaras and Kashmir, beautiful handicrafts, and traditional Indian jewelry. “It’s all about our traditions, our art and culture, and celebrating and cheering for our athletes,” she added.
The video capturing the essence of India House features a blend of song and dance, technology and tradition, complemented by Indian food and Bollywood music. Singer Shaan performed at the launch ceremony, and Nita Ambani was seen enjoying the festivities along with other guests.
The Olympics, which began on July 26, will conclude on August 11. A day after the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, the India House had its star-studded inauguration, attended by some of India’s most famous personalities alongside IOC officials and administrators.
According to a Reliance Foundation media release, the opening event of the India House was a memorable affair, beginning with Nita Ambani lighting a lamp in a traditional Indian ceremony symbolizing auspiciousness and goodwill. Dignitaries present at the event included Ser Miang NG, an IOC Committee member; PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association; Jawed Ashraf, Ambassador of India to France; Jay Shah, BCCI Secretary; and Abhinav Bindra, Olympic Gold Medalist.
Speaking on the occasion, Nita Ambani said, “Welcome to the first-ever India House in the history of the Olympics. Today, we gather here at the Paris Olympic Games 2024 to open the doors to a dream—a dream that belongs to 1.4 million Indians. A dream to bring India to the Olympics and our shared dream to bring the Olympics to India.” She emphasized the significance of the India House as a potential tipping point for India, stating, “It is time that the flame, which was first lit in Athens, lights up in our ancient land, India. The day is not far when India will host the Olympic Games. May this be our collective resolve at the opening of the India House.”
Touching upon the importance of India House, the IOC Member said, “India House is envisioned as a symbol of India’s Olympic aspirations. We hope it becomes a home away from home for our athletes, a place where we honor them, salute their spirit, and celebrate their achievements. India House is not a destination; it’s a new beginning for India.”
India House will host various exclusive events, including daily programming curated by the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, panel discussions, celebrations of medal wins, exclusive watch parties, and meet-and-greets with legendary Indian athletes. Situated at the Parc de la Villette in the Park of Nations, India House will be open to visitors from 11 am to 11 pm local time during the Olympic Games from July 27 to August 11.
