Indian suttler Saina Nehwal has been appointed as a member of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Athletes’ Commission.
Saina received a letter to the effect from the IOC President Thomas Bach on Monday night. “Following your candidature for the elections of the IOC Athletes’ Commission during the Olympic Games Rio 2016, it is with great pleasure to appoint you in consultation with the Chair, as Member of the Athletes’ Commission,” the letter said.
The Athletes’ Commission is chaired by Angela Ruggiero and has nine vice-presidents and 10 other members. The members are scheduled to meet on November 6.
Nehwal’s appointment has come just when she is set to resume practice after recovering from a knee injury. Nehwal, who sustained an intra-articular injury (inside the joint) to her right knee, had said in an interview last month that she hoped to get back on the circuit in November.
Her father Harvir Singh was happy with her latest accomplishment. “I have become very emotional. It is a matter of great privilege for us that they recognised her and to be a part of the IOC. They thought that she could be of some use. She lost (a medal in the Olympics) because of the injury. We are proud of her,” Singh said.
Buy an annual Scroll Membership to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!