Mumbai, India elected to host the IOC Session 2023

In an uncontested campaign on February 19, India won the bid to host the IOC Session 2023 in Mumbai. This will be India's first IOC Session in four decades, and the country's second overall after 1983. It was hosted in Delhi.

However, Mumbai scored an unprecedented 99 percent of the votes in support of its proposal from the participants who took part in the system. 75 members approved its bid to host the 2023 IOC session. The announcement reaffirms that India will host the renowned IOC meeting for the first time since 1983. Thus, entering in an era of involvement between India's young people and the Olympic System.

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IOC member Nita Ambani's viewpoints on India hosting IOC Session 2023

Nita Ambani, a member of the International Olympic Committee(IOC), reiterated her intention of allowing India to organize the Youth Olympic Games and the Olympic Games in the coming days. In her words, "The Olympic Movement is back to India after a 40-year wait! I am truly grateful to the International Olympic Committee for entrusting India with the honour of hosting the IOC Session in Mumbai in 2023. This will be a significant development for India's Olympic aspiration. And will herald the start of a new era for Indian sport. Sport has always been a beacon of hope and inspiration for millions around the world."

"We are one of the youngest countries in the world today. And I'm excited for the youth of India to embrace and experience first-hand the magic of the Olympics. It is our dream to strengthen this partnership further. And to host the Olympic Games in India in the years to come," she added further.

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During the 139th IOC Session, an Indian delegation made a strong case. It took place in Beijing during the running Winter Olympics. Nita Ambani, India's first female IOC member, and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Dr Narinder Batra were among the delegation's members. The group also included Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur and Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic gold medalist.

Ambani and Narinder Batra's speech after winning the bid

"Nearly, half of India's population, over 600 million, are under 25 years of age. This makes India one of the most crucial and exciting places to nurture and grow the Olympic Movement. Inspired by the Olympic Values Education Programme, it is our mission to identify potential talent and guide them to greatness in the world of sport. To coincide with the Olympic Session 2023, we propose to launch a series of elite sports development programmes for youth across deprived communities," unveiled Nita Ambani.

Nevertheless, IOA President Narinder Batra remarked after the satisfactory completion of the bidding process, "I thank Mrs Nita Ambani for her vision and leadership. And also thank all my IOC Member colleagues for their support. I cannot wait to see you here in Mumbai next year.This is the start of a new era for India sport. An era that features the long-term goal of hosting the Olympic Games in India."

He concluded his statement by saying, "We are ambitious and recognise our objectives are bold. But India is on an exciting journey . And we want the Olympic Movement to play a central part in building a brighter future for our next generation. Delivering a truly memorable IOC Session in Mumbai in 2023, with a strong emphasis on youth potential, sustainability, and innovation. It will be one of the first steps to showcase India's new sporting capacity."

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What is an IOC Session?

The yearly gathering of the members of the IOC, is known as an IOC session. It consists of 101 voting members and 45 honorable members. Furthermore, It debates and makes decisions on essential aspects of the worldwide Olympic movement. Such as the approval or change of the Olympic Charter, the election of IOC members. Also the selection of the Olympic host city and the principal officers.

However, the session will take place in Mumbai's Jio World Convention Centre in the summer of 2023