Paris: International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Nita Ambani, on Saturday, inaugurated the India House in Paris, the country’s first-ever house at the Olympics. Interestingly, the India House inauguration was just a day after the grand opening ceremony of Paris Olympics 2024. The India House is situated at Parc de la Villette in the Park of Nations. It will be open for visitors from 11 AM to 11 PM local time during the Paris Olympic Games from July 27 to August 11.
The event was attended by IOC Committee member Ser Miang NG, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief PT Usha, Ambassador of India to France Jawed Ashraf, BCCI secretary Jay Shah, 2008 Olympic Gold Medallist Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra and Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani.
“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 billion Indians. A dream to bring India to the Olympics and our shared dream to bring the Olympics to India,” Nita Ambani said.
Mrs. Nita M Ambani: India House is a symbol of India’s Olympic aspirations
The Paris Olympics marks the first occasion of India having its own country house at the Olympics
MUMBAI/ PARIS : July 27, 2024: A day after the Paris Olympics began with a glimmering opening ceremony… pic.twitter.com/xm12X4Gb6s
— Reliance Industries Limited (@RIL_Updates) July 27, 2024
The India House opening ceremony saw Bollywood singer Shaan had the audience moving with his popular tracks, leaving the crowd with a true taste of India. Visitors were welcomed with beats of dhol. The India House will also host panel discussions, celebrations of medal wins, exclusive watch parties and meet and greets with legendary Indian athletes during the Olympics.
“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 honour them, salute their spirit and celebrate their achievements. India House is not a destination, it’s a new beginning for India,” Nita Ambani said while talking about the importance of the India House.