A day after the Paris Olympics kicked off with a dazzling opening ceremony that captivated global attention, India celebrated the inauguration of its first-ever country house at the Olympics, known as India House. The star-studded event saw the presence of prominent Indian figures alongside International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials and administrators.
Nita Ambani, along with other dignitaries inaugurate ‘India House’ at Paris Olympics 2024
The memorable opening ceremony began with Mrs. Nita M Ambani, IOC member and Founder and Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, lighting a traditional lamp to invoke auspiciousness and goodwill. Among the distinguished attendees were Mr. Ser Miang NG, IOC Committee member, P.T. Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, Jawed Ashraf, Ambassador of India to France, Jay Shah, Honorary Secretary of BCCI, and Olympic Gold Medalist Abhinav Bindra.
Mr. Anand Piramal, Executive Director of the Piramal Group, at the Opening Ceremony of the inaugural India House at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Isha Ambani, Executive Director, Reliance Retail Ventures Limited, at the Opening Ceremony of the inaugural India House at the Paris Olympics 2024.
(L-R) Mr, Gianni Infantino, President FIFA, Mr. Jay Shah, Honorary Secretary BCCI and Mr. Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio, at the opening Ceremony of the inaugural India House at the Paris Olympics 2024.
P. T. Usha at the opening ceremony of the inaugural India House at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Nita Ambani’s Address at the event
In her address, Mrs. Ambani expressed, “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 shared by 1.4 billion Indians. A dream to make India a significant presence at the Olympics and to someday host the Olympic Games in India.”
She described the inauguration of India House as a potential turning point for the country, stating, “It is time that the flame, first lit in Athens, illuminates our ancient land, India. The day is not far when India will host the Olympic Games. Let this be our collective resolve at the opening of the India House.”
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Highlighting the importance of India House, Mrs. Ambani said, “India House symbolizes 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 marks not a destination but a new beginning for India.”
Mrs. Ambani extended a warm invitation to everyone in Paris for the Olympics, saying, “At India House, we welcome the world to experience the beauty, diversity, and rich heritage of India right here in the heart of Paris.”
The ceremony featured a performance by leading Bollywood singer Shaan, who had the audience dancing to his popular tracks, providing a vibrant taste of India. Visitors were greeted with the pulsating beats of the Dhol, synonymous with Indian music, followed by a breathtaking and inspirational display of the traditional Indian sport of Mallakhamb by visually impaired children from Mumbai.
India House will host various exclusive events, including daily programming curated by the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, panel discussions, celebrations of medal wins, watch parties, and meet-and-greets with legendary Indian athletes.
Located 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 throughout the Olympic Games from July 27 to August 11.
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