The International Olympic Committee's Athletes' Commission has appointed shuttler Saina Nehwal as its member, reported PTI. The letter, issued by IOC President Thomas Bach, said, "Following your [Nehwal] 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."

Nehwal' father Harvir Singh said he was very happy with her appointment to the Olympic panel. "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. We are proud of her," said Singh.

The appointment comes at a time when Nehwal is recovering from a knee injury and is likely to start practice from November. Currently, the commission is chaired by United States ice hockey player Angela Ruggiero and has nine vice presidents and 10 other members.