Nita Ambani meets FIFA president Gianni Infantino during India House inauguration in Paris

NEW DELHI: Reliance Foundation chairperson and International Olympic Committee member Nita Ambani met FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the opening ceremony of the inaugural India House.

The India House was inaugurated on Saturday at the Paris Olympics.

The initiative is part of an ambitious partnership between the Reliance Foundation and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to enhance Indian athletes' performances, support national sports federations, and bolster India's global sporting credentials with future aspirations of hosting the Olympic Games.

Isha Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Retail Ventures Limited, and Anand Piramal, Executive Director of the Piramal Group, were also present at the event.

The other notable attendees at the inauguration included Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah, Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra, and the Ambassador of India to France, Jawed Ashraf.

The primary aim of India House is to propel India towards becoming a dominant force in global sports, ensuring greater success at the Olympics, and preparing the nation to host the Olympic Games in the future.

Olympic Hospitality Houses, like India House, are integral features of the Olympic Games. These houses showcase the participating countries' culture, hospitality, and national pride to athletes, media, visitors, and supporters. They serve as a space for fans to celebrate and support their athletes and teams during competitions and act as a 'home away from home' for athletes and their families during the Games.

India House will also be a venue for fans of the country's team to gather for event 'watch-parties' and celebrations during competitive events. In some instances, athletes who win medals may also make appearances at the House.

India House at the Paris Games aims to showcase India to the world, attracting fans from across the globe, key stakeholders from the global sports world, Indian travelers, media, and athletes. This will be the first time Indian athletes have a dedicated home at the Olympics, designed to celebrate India's sporting achievements and sportspersons.