She is speaking the language of the wind. When  Jyothi Yarraji, the fastest Indian hurdler, takes to the track at the Paris 2024 Olympics, she will be in uncharted territory. Jyothi, supported by the Reliance Foundation, will be the first Indian woman ever to compete in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Olympics. The women’s 100m hurdles event has been a part of every Olympics since 1972, but this will be the first time that an Indian athlete will feature on the start list.

Mrs. Nita M. Ambani, Founder & Chairperson, Reliance Foundation, said, "We are overjoyed and immensely proud of our Reliance Foundation athlete, Jyothi Yarraji, for becoming the first Indian to qualify for the women's 100m hurdles at the Olympics. Jyothi’s journey, her dedication, and this incredible achievement are a testament to the power of dreams and relentless hard work. She embodies the spirit, talent, and resilience of the youth of India.”

“At Reliance Foundation, we remain committed to supporting Jyothi and all our young athletes in every way we can. We wish Jyothi and the entire Indian contingent the very best for the Paris Games! May they keep the tricolour soaring high, as they represent the dreams, hopes, and prayers of 1.4 billion Indians on the global stage.”, Mrs Ambani added.

The reigning national record holder in the event, Jyothi is also the only Indian woman ever to medal in the women’s 100m hurdles event at the Asian Games, where she won silver last year after showing impressive fortitude in standing her ground after a false disqualification. She is the only Indian woman to dip below the 13s mark and holds the 15 fastest times ever run by an Indian in this category. As a knock-on effect, three other women have now run faster than the longstanding national record of Anuradha Biswal that Jyothi broke.

Jyothi’s personal best stands at 12.78s, a mark she matched earlier this year at the Motonet GP in Finland despite a hard collision with the final hurdle. She also won gold at the recent Senior Inter-State Athletics Championships, continuing her unbeaten run on Indian soil.

The Trailblazer: An Inspirational Journey

Jyothi Yarraji’s journey to the Olympics is not just about breaking records; it's about inspiring a nation. Her accomplishments underline the importance of resilience and determination. With the support of the Reliance Foundation, she has shown that Indian athletes can compete at the highest levels of international sports.

As she prepares to compete in Paris, Jyothi carries the hopes of a nation eager to see her make history. Her presence at the Olympics will not only pave the way for future generations of Indian women hurdlers but also highlight the growing prominence of Indian athletes on the global stage.

Continuing the Legacy

Jyothi's achievements are a testament to the increasing support and development of sports in India, particularly through initiatives like those by the Reliance Foundation. Her success will likely inspire more young athletes to pursue track and field, contributing to the overall growth and diversification of Indian sports.

India has made a fine start at the Paris Olympics with two medals already in the first few days of competition. On Jul 30th (Tuesday), as India won its second medal, Indian athletes received a rousing welcome at the inaugural India House in the presence of fans and administrators at Parc de la Villette.

Speaking to the athletes during their visit, Mrs. Nita M Ambani, IOC member and Founder-Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, said, “Welcome to the first ever India House at the Olympics! Please join me in welcoming the icons of today, tomorrow and forever. The Indian athletes who represent India are present here today. Every single one of you has made us hold our heads higher with pride.”

Mrs. Ambani also congratulated Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh for their medals in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, “A special shout out to Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh who made us proud by winning India’s second medal this morning. Sarabjot Singh is here with us today and let’s give him a standing ovation please.”

The athletes were welcomed to the India House with gusto with throbbing beats of the dhol during a guard of honour along with a traditional Indian tikah ceremony.

The athletes present included medal-winning shooter Sarabjot Singh, opening ceremony flag bearer Sharath Kamal, former world no 1 doubles player Rohan Bopanna, Sumit Nagal, the youngest member from the India contingent 14- year-old Dhinidhi Desinghu, Manika Batra, the 1st Indian table tennis player to reach the round 16 in singles at the Olympics, Ramita Jindal and Arjun Babuta among others.

They also lit the digital flame at the India House to show their support for the Olympic movement before being felicitated by Mrs. Ambani, who thanked them for their efforts and for representing the country on the biggest stage.

The athletes enjoyed the live music and sumptuous food spread on offer at India House in the company of their teammates and also met their fans. Indian as well as international fans have been reveling and enjoying the various unique experiences at India House, which has seen heavy attendances every day, while also being drawn by its grandeur and vivacity.

About India House

India House, (situated in the iconic Parc de la Villette), during the Paris Olympics 2024 represents a historic milestone as the first-ever India House in the history of the Olympic Games. This pioneering initiative, conceptualized by Reliance Foundation as part of their partnership with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), offers an immersive experience in Indian culture, arts, sports, technology, and gastronomy. It provides a unique and comprehensive showcase of India's rich heritage to the world.

Fans can engage in yoga sessions, cultural workshops, discover traditional Indian crafts, and join for exciting watch parties. Making its global debut, The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) has exclusively curated India-themed experiential programming and entertainment of music and dance, ensuring a vibrant, enriching, and unforgettable showcase of India to the world. India House is dedicated to fostering a sense of community and national pride, showcasing our sporting ambitions, and making it a must-visit destination during the Paris Olympics 2024.

India has made a fine start at the Paris Olympics with two medals already in the first few days of competition. On Jul 30th (Tuesday), as India won its second medal, Indian athletes received a rousing welcome at the inaugural India House in the presence of fans and administrators at Parc de la Villette.

Speaking to the athletes during their visit, Mrs. Nita M Ambani, IOC member and Founder-Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, said, “Welcome to the first ever India House at the Olympics! Please join me in welcoming the icons of today, tomorrow and forever. The Indian athletes who represent India are present here today. Every single one of you has made us hold our heads higher with pride.”

Mrs. Ambani also congratulated Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh for their medals in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, “A special shout out to Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh who made us proud by winning India’s second medal this morning. Sarabjot Singh is here with us today and let’s give him a standing ovation please.”

The athletes were welcomed to the India House with gusto with throbbing beats of the dhol during a guard of honour along with a traditional Indian tikah ceremony.

The athletes present included medal-winning shooter Sarabjot Singh, opening ceremony flag bearer Sharath Kamal, former world no 1 doubles player Rohan Bopanna, Sumit Nagal, the youngest member from the India contingent 14- year-old Dhinidhi Desinghu, Manika Batra, the 1st Indian table tennis player to reach the round 16 in singles at the Olympics, Ramita Jindal and Arjun Babuta among others.

They also lit the digital flame at the India House to show their support for the Olympic movement before being felicitated by Mrs. Ambani, who thanked them for their efforts and for representing the country on the biggest stage.

The athletes enjoyed the live music and sumptuous food spread on offer at India House in the company of their teammates and also met their fans. Indian as well as international fans have been reveling and enjoying the various unique experiences at India House, which has seen heavy attendances every day, while also being drawn by its grandeur and vivacity.

About India House

India House, (situated in the iconic Parc de la Villette), during the Paris Olympics 2024 represents a historic milestone as the first-ever India House in the history of the Olympic Games. This pioneering initiative, conceptualized by Reliance Foundation as part of their partnership with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), offers an immersive experience in Indian culture, arts, sports, technology, and gastronomy. It provides a unique and comprehensive showcase of India's rich heritage to the world.

Fans can engage in yoga sessions, cultural workshops, discover traditional Indian crafts, and join for exciting watch parties. Making its global debut, The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) has exclusively curated India-themed experiential programming and entertainment of music and dance, ensuring a vibrant, enriching, and unforgettable showcase of India to the world. India House is dedicated to fostering a sense of community and national pride, showcasing our sporting ambitions, and making it a must-visit destination during the Paris Olympics 2024.

International Olympic Committee member Nita M. Ambani said that the inclusion of cricket in the sports program for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics Games was a welcome addition that had the potential to attract a lot of new interest and opportunities for the Olympic movement across newer geographies in the world.

Speaking after cricket was officially confirmed as an Olympic sport at the ongoing 141st IOC Session in Mumbai, Mrs. Nita M. Ambani said, “As an IOC member, a proud Indian, and an ardent cricket fan, I am delighted that IOC members have voted to include Cricket as an Olympic Sport in the LA Summer Olympics 2028!”.

Cricket has only featured in one previous edition of the Olympics in 1900 when only two teams took part. “Cricket is one of the most loved sports globally, and the second most watched. For 1.4 billion Indians, cricket is not just a sport, it's a religion!” Nita M. Ambani said.

The IOC session is being held in India for only the 2nd time in history, returning to the country after 40 years. The historic decision to include cricket in the Olympics came at one of the epicentres of the sport - India. “I’m delighted that this historic resolution was passed at the one hundred and forty-first IOC Session taking place right here in our country in Mumbai,” Nita M. Ambani added.

Nita M. Ambani hoped that the sport’s appeal around the globe would increase significantly with this announcement. “The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics will create deeper engagement for the Olympic Movement in newer geographies. And at the same time, provides a boost to cricket’s growing international popularity.”

Watch Mrs. Nita M. Ambani’s video message on this announcement below.

Nita M. Ambani, who is the first Indian woman to become an IOC member, heralded the day as one of great joy for India. “I thank and congratulate the IOC and the LA Organizing Committee for their support of this landmark decision. It's truly a day of great joy and jubilation!” she concluded.

International Olympic Committee member Nita M. Ambani said that the inclusion of cricket in the sports program for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics Games was a welcome addition that had the potential to attract a lot of new interest and opportunities for the Olympic movement across newer geographies in the world.

Speaking after cricket was officially confirmed as an Olympic sport at the ongoing 141st IOC Session in Mumbai, Mrs. Nita M. Ambani said, “As an IOC member, a proud Indian, and an ardent cricket fan, I am delighted that IOC members have voted to include Cricket as an Olympic Sport in the LA Summer Olympics 2028!”.

Cricket has only featured in one previous edition of the Olympics in 1900 when only two teams took part. “Cricket is one of the most loved sports globally, and the second most watched. For 1.4 billion Indians, cricket is not just a sport, it's a religion!” Nita M. Ambani said.

The IOC session is being held in India for only the 2nd time in history, returning to the country after 40 years. The historic decision to include cricket in the Olympics came at one of the epicentres of the sport - India. “I’m delighted that this historic resolution was passed at the one hundred and forty-first IOC Session taking place right here in our country in Mumbai,” Nita M. Ambani added.

Nita M. Ambani hoped that the sport’s appeal around the globe would increase significantly with this announcement. “The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics will create deeper engagement for the Olympic Movement in newer geographies. And at the same time, provides a boost to cricket’s growing international popularity.”

Watch Mrs. Nita M. Ambani’s video message on this announcement below.

Nita M. Ambani, who is the first Indian woman to become an IOC member, heralded the day as one of great joy for India. “I thank and congratulate the IOC and the LA Organizing Committee for their support of this landmark decision. It's truly a day of great joy and jubilation!” she concluded.

Achinta Sheuli is a generational talent who needed careful nurturing to ensure he realised his full potential. In 2019, he was inducted in the newly introduced elite athlete scholarship programme by Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS). Since then, besides providing the athlete financial support, the programme has ensured that a dedicated sports physiotherapist and sports science specialists are available to Achinta round the clock, including when he travels.

The team of specialists from the Sports Science and Medicine (SSM) team at the Sir H.N Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai has focused on critical areas such as nutrition, strength and conditioning, psychology and data analysis to provide the edge that Achinta needed in the pursuit of international success.

“The biggest challenge in weightlifting is to remain free of injury and make sure our nutrition is handled in a scientific manner,” says Achinta. “I am extremely grateful to the SSM team from the Sir H.N Reliance Foundation Hospital in keeping me fit and free of injury.”

Armed with the multi-dimensional expertise now at his disposal and buoyed by his recent accomplishments, Achinta is identifying his short and long term goals. Having won Gold at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham, he is now aiming to give his best at the 2024 Olympics. In the long term, Achinta is determined to follow in the footsteps of weightlifting greats – five time World Champion Lü Xiaojun from China, Olympic and World Champion Sohrab Moradi from Iran and India’s very own World Champion Mirabai Chanu.

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