Mumbai, 24th May 2026: Mumbai Indians’ annual ESA game at the Wankhede Stadium today turned into a sea of blue, as over 20,000 children filled the stands with unmatched energy, chants, and excitement for their heroes.

Children from across Maharashtra, including visually impaired and specially-abled children, came together for the annual Education and Sports for All (ESA) game — hosted by Mumbai Indians in partnership with Reliance Foundation and envisioned by Mrs. Nita M. Ambani.

Speaking about the infectious energy of the kids, Mrs. Nita M Ambani, Founder & Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, said, “First, I must say, look at the joy. The excitement here is so wonderful to experience. It is a very cherished day for all of us at Mumbai Indians. We started ESA by Reliance Foundation 16 years ago and inclusion has always been a part of our ethos.”

For the first time, 100 visually impaired children attended the ESA game along with hearing buddies. Recalling how the initiative came about, Mrs. Ambani shared, “I was visiting the National Association for the Blind. I have been working with those children for the last twenty years. This was just before the IPL season, and the children told me, ‘Nita Ma’am, can we please come for the MI match? We have never been to a stadium before and want to feel the excitement of a live match.’ So here they are today. Hundred of them. I hope they go back with cherished memories.”

Mrs. Ambani, who is also an IOC member, spoke about Reliance Foundation’s larger sporting vision for India saying, “We have reached over 29 million children across 28 states of India through our sport and education initiatives. We work with children from the age of five all the way to the global stage, we provide coaching, sports science, and practice facilities. We have high performance centres not just in cricket, but across athletics, football, and many other sports. Our goal for India is a shared dream that all of us have, is to one day bring the Olympic Games to our country. It is the dream of a billion Indians.”

This year’s ESA game saw children from more than 40 NGO partners across Mumbai, Maharashtra, and remote regions such as Satara, Nashik, Valsad, and Igatpuri attend the match. Over 200 specially-abled children along with 100 visual impaired kids also attended the match.

Over 550 BEST buses helped transport children safely across the city and state, supported by a team of over 2,400 volunteers from NGOs, Reliance and Dhirubhai Ambani International School, 100+ medical personnel, 92,000 food boxes and extensive on-ground coordination teams. Mumbai Police deployed 550 traffic officers and 450+ police officers to ensure smooth operations throughout the day.

Over the past 16 years, Reliance Foundation’s sports and education initiatives have impacted the lives of more than 29 million children and young people across India, using sport and education as tools for inclusion, aspiration, and opportunity.

The scale of ESA continues to reflect the collective action and community participation that defines Mumbai Indians’ #OneFamily philosophy - making every child feel seen, valued, and included.

About ESA: https://www.mumbaiindians.com/esa 

Mumbai, 24th May 2026: Mumbai Indians’ annual ESA game at the Wankhede Stadium today turned into a sea of blue, as over 20,000 children filled the stands with unmatched energy, chants, and excitement for their heroes.

Children from across Maharashtra, including visually impaired and specially-abled children, came together for the annual Education and Sports for All (ESA) game — hosted by Mumbai Indians in partnership with Reliance Foundation and envisioned by Mrs. Nita M. Ambani.

Speaking about the infectious energy of the kids, Mrs. Nita M Ambani, Founder & Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, said, “First, I must say, look at the joy. The excitement here is so wonderful to experience. It is a very cherished day for all of us at Mumbai Indians. We started ESA by Reliance Foundation 16 years ago and inclusion has always been a part of our ethos.”

For the first time, 100 visually impaired children attended the ESA game along with hearing buddies. Recalling how the initiative came about, Mrs. Ambani shared, “I was visiting the National Association for the Blind. I have been working with those children for the last twenty years. This was just before the IPL season, and the children told me, ‘Nita Ma’am, can we please come for the MI match? We have never been to a stadium before and want to feel the excitement of a live match.’ So here they are today. Hundred of them. I hope they go back with cherished memories.”

Mrs. Ambani, who is also an IOC member, spoke about Reliance Foundation’s larger sporting vision for India saying, “We have reached over 29 million children across 28 states of India through our sport and education initiatives. We work with children from the age of five all the way to the global stage, we provide coaching, sports science, and practice facilities. We have high performance centres not just in cricket, but across athletics, football, and many other sports. Our goal for India is a shared dream that all of us have, is to one day bring the Olympic Games to our country. It is the dream of a billion Indians.”

This year’s ESA game saw children from more than 40 NGO partners across Mumbai, Maharashtra, and remote regions such as Satara, Nashik, Valsad, and Igatpuri attend the match. Over 200 specially-abled children along with 100 visual impaired kids also attended the match.

Over 550 BEST buses helped transport children safely across the city and state, supported by a team of over 2,400 volunteers from NGOs, Reliance and Dhirubhai Ambani International School, 100+ medical personnel, 92,000 food boxes and extensive on-ground coordination teams. Mumbai Police deployed 550 traffic officers and 450+ police officers to ensure smooth operations throughout the day.

Over the past 16 years, Reliance Foundation’s sports and education initiatives have impacted the lives of more than 29 million children and young people across India, using sport and education as tools for inclusion, aspiration, and opportunity.

The scale of ESA continues to reflect the collective action and community participation that defines Mumbai Indians’ #OneFamily philosophy - making every child feel seen, valued, and included.

About ESA: https://www.mumbaiindians.com/esa 

Mumbai, May 23: Every year, ESA Day transforms the Wankhede Stadium into something far bigger than a cricket venue. This Sunday, May 24, as the Mumbai Indians take on Rajasthan Royals, over 20,000 children from underserved backgrounds, tribal communities, and villages across Mumbai, Maharashtra, and Gujarat — including 200+ children with special needs — will come together for the annual Education and Sports for All (ESA) initiative in partnership with Reliance Foundation, celebrating hope, inclusion, and the unifying power of sport.

Envisioned by Mrs Nita M. Ambani, who remains the driving force behind the initiative and several transformative programmes in sport and education, this year, for the first time, 100 visually impaired children from the National Association for the Blind (NAB), along with hearing buddies, will also be part of the experience.

Speaking ahead of the ESA game, Sachin Tendulkar said the ESA Match at Wankhede is a special game for everyone involved, with the unique energy of playing in front of a stadium full of children cheering for the players. Recalling his own experience of watching a match at Wankhede as a child in 1983, he said those memories stayed with him forever and expressed confidence that the children attending ESA would carry these moments with them for life too.

What makes ESA truly special is how the entire city of Mumbai comes together to create this once-in-a-lifetime experience for thousands of children. From players and fans to volunteers, NGOs and partner organisations — everyone rallies behind the spirit of #OneFamily.

More than 500 BEST and private buses will transport children across Mumbai and Maharashtra, supported by medical teams, police personnel, traffic officers, over 2,000 volunteers from NGOs, Reliance and Dhirubhai Ambani International School, 1,00,000+ food boxes, and extensive on-ground support staff — all working together to create a safe, joyful and unforgettable day for every child.

And when the children finally enter Wankhede, the loudest cheers are not just for boundaries or wickets, but for dreams, inclusion and the belief that sport can genuinely change lives.

Driven by Reliance Foundation and Mumbai Indians, ESA has consistently used cricket as a platform to inspire young minds and create access to opportunity through education and sport. For one special afternoon, the energy of the IPL blends with the joy of thousands of children at the Wankhede Stadium, transforming it into a celebration of community, resilience, inclusion, and togetherness.

Over the past 16 years, Reliance Foundation’s ESA initiatives have impacted more than 29 million children across 28 states in India, nurturing talent, ambition, and holistic development through transformative sports and education programmes from the grassroots to elite level. At its heart, ESA is about inclusion, joy, hope, and giving every child the opportunity to dream through the power of sport and education.

Mumbai, 5th January 2026: Mrs. Nita M Ambani called the second edition of United in Triumph a thank you on behalf of every Indian to India's three World Cup winning teams: men's, women's and blind women in Mumbai on Monday.

Mrs. Ambani said, "I think we are starting the New Year's with a very special occasion. All three cricket teams, the men's cricket team, the women's cricket team and the blind cricket team of India are all here under one roof, and on behalf of every Indian, we are going to honour them tonight for giving us so much joy and happiness."

Speaking about the unique power of sport and its transformational impact, Mrs. Ambani said, “Sport joins hearts and India. Today we are united in triumph. We are going to celebrate them and celebrate their victories.”

At the heart of the celebration were India’s three World Cup–winning captains — Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepika TC — whose leadership, resilience and belief have shaped historic victories and inspired a nation.

The evening also saw the presence of the three World Cup–winning team players Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Ganga Kadam, alongside cricketing greats Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar and Ravichandran Ashwin, Olympic and Paralympic legends including Murlikant Petkar, Deepa Malik and Devendra Jhajharia, and leading figures from Indian cinema – Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan - creating a rare and powerful confluence of India’s most admired icons.

United in Triumph reflects Mrs. Ambani's vision of sport as a force for excellence, inclusion and unity, celebrating not just victories, but the values and purpose that define India's sporting journey.

Mumbai, 5th January 2026: Mrs. Nita M Ambani called the second edition of United in Triumph a thank you on behalf of every Indian to India's three World Cup winning teams: men's, women's and blind women in Mumbai on Monday.

Mrs. Ambani said, "I think we are starting the New Year's with a very special occasion. All three cricket teams, the men's cricket team, the women's cricket team and the blind cricket team of India are all here under one roof, and on behalf of every Indian, we are going to honour them tonight for giving us so much joy and happiness."

Speaking about the unique power of sport and its transformational impact, Mrs. Ambani said, “Sport joins hearts and India. Today we are united in triumph. We are going to celebrate them and celebrate their victories.”

At the heart of the celebration were India’s three World Cup–winning captains — Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepika TC — whose leadership, resilience and belief have shaped historic victories and inspired a nation.

The evening also saw the presence of the three World Cup–winning team players Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Ganga Kadam, alongside cricketing greats Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar and Ravichandran Ashwin, Olympic and Paralympic legends including Murlikant Petkar, Deepa Malik and Devendra Jhajharia, and leading figures from Indian cinema – Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan - creating a rare and powerful confluence of India’s most admired icons.

United in Triumph reflects Mrs. Ambani's vision of sport as a force for excellence, inclusion and unity, celebrating not just victories, but the values and purpose that define India's sporting journey.

Mumbai, 7th November 2025: The Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU), Mhow, the elite shooting training establishment under the Indian Army’s Mission Olympics Wing, has signed its first-ever corporate partnership for sports development with Reliance Foundation (RF).

This partnership currently supports 14 shooters training at AMU, including Paris Olympian Sandeep Singh and Subedar Preeti Rajak, the Army’s first woman Subedar.

Mrs. Nita M. Ambani, Founder Chairperson, Reliance Foundation, said: “It is an honour for Reliance Foundation to partner with the Indian Army and the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) to strengthen their world-class shooting programme.

From Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore to lieutenant Colonel Neeraj Chopra — the Indian Army has given us heroes who make every Indian proud across sports. I am especially proud that Subedar Preeti Rajak, the Army’s first woman Subedar and a star shooter, is supported by Reliance Foundation as part of this partnership.

This collaboration is not just a programme — it is a sankalp to see India rise to the very top in sports. Together, we will nurture champions who make the nation proud.”

Through scholarship, coaching, sports science integration, international exposure and quality coaching, the partnership aims to build a strong podium pathway for India at the 2028 and 2032 Olympics.

Mumbai, 23rd June, 2025: The Olympic spirit was on full display as Reliance Foundation marked Olympic Day 2025 with a vibrant celebration featuring 1,450 school children and a stellar line-up of Olympians and national champions at Reliance Foundation School, Navi Mumbai.

Joining the celebrations were Olympians (archery) Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das, alongside athletics stars Ancy Sojan, Tejas Shirse, and Sakshi Chavan. Together, they inspired young students to embrace sports and embody the core Olympic values of Excellence, Respect, and Friendship.

Deepika Kumari, who also signed a book with a chapter on her for the kids, said, “The energy here has been tremendous, and the kids are so eager to learn and adopt a lifestyle that involves sports. I was really impressed to hear that so many of them already play sports and follow the Olympics as well. I hope they incorporate key Olympic values as a way of life as well."

Tejas Shirse urged the kids to play multiple sports and not just one sport, saying, “At a young age, it is important to enjoy sport and discover what sport gives you the most joy. It is commendable that the IOC and Reliance Foundation are introducing you to key Olympic values and the spirit of Olympism at such a young age, as such initiatives will fast-track India's development as a sporting nation."

In line with the 'Let's Move India' theme of Move with Your Plus+1—encouraging students to participate alongside a friend, classmate, teacher, or teammate—the Olympic Day celebration saw the school come alive with Olympic colours, symbolising unity, friendship, and the joy of movement.

Highlights of the Day Included:

Archery Masterclass: Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das introduced children to archery, offering them hands-on experience in the sport.

Buddy Games Booth: Students teamed up with their friends to participate in fun physical challenges alongside the athletes.

Pledge Board Signing: Athletes and students together committed to leading an active and healthy lifestyle.

'Move with the Champions' Session: An engaging and energetic interaction with the athletes culminated in a dynamic dance workshop led by the Shiamak Davar troupe, getting every child on their feet.

This celebration forms part of the broader "Let's Move” initiative, launched by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in collaboration with the World Health Organization in 2023. Supported by partners like the Abhinav Bindra Foundation and Reliance Foundation, the initiative has already reached over 20 million people in India, emphasising the importance of daily movement and the joy of sport.

Olympic Day, celebrated each year on 23 June, commemorates the birth of the modern Olympic Games in 1894. With initiatives like "Let's Move", the Olympic Movement continues to promote health, inclusion, and active lifestyles globally.

Together, let's move +1, India!

Join the movement at @OlympicKhel

#OlympicDay #LetsMove

About the Reliance Foundation's Sports Initiatives

Reliance Foundation's sports initiatives have touched the lives of over 23 million young people since 2013 across the country from over 13,000 schools and colleges, providing an opportunity for talented children anywhere to be able to achieve their dream of a career in sport. It is especially committed to ensuring more presence and the success of girls and female athletes in India, and designs its programmes in a manner that offers them maximum opportunities.

Reliance Foundation's sports programme aims to develop the sporting ecosystem in India starting from the grassroots. Through its scholarship and athletics programmes, the foundation currently supports over 200 athletes in more than 10 Olympic sports. It also operates three world-class athletics training facilities in India, and has partnerships with the IOC, IOA, AFI and Odisha government.

Reliance Foundation runs the Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) football academy, which is India's highest-rated football academy, with many graduates going on to represent various ISL clubs. The Foundation's approach to developing the football ecosystem includes organising four grassroots competitions: Reliance Foundation Youth Sports, RFYC Naupang League, RFYC Coastal League and Reliance Foundation Development League.

For more information, go to: https://www.rfyouthsports.com/

The International Olympic Committee (IOC)'s global movement campaign "Let's Move" returns to India this Olympic Day (23 June) with its new edition, “Let's Move +1”, in partnership with the Abhinav Bindra Foundation and the Reliance Foundation. This year's theme focuses on the joy and motivation of moving together—inviting people across India to experience the power of sport to boost both physical and mental wellbeing.

Marking Olympic Day on 23 June, the campaign shines a spotlight on the benefits of playing sport or working out with someone else—encouraging people to take the first step and bring a friend, sibling, colleague, or family member along. As part of the celebrations, over 50 sports venues across India will open their doors to the public for free paired sessions in sports such as football, padel, cricket, badminton and pickleball. Anyone can take part—just bring your +1 and move together.

Nearly 50 per cent of adults in India, and 81 per cent of young people globally, are failing to reach the recommended activity levels for optimal health (World Health Organization, 2024). Taking part in physical activities with others can help people start moving and keep going - through shared goals, encouragement, and enjoyment. Sport is more than moving, it is also an opportunity to spend time with others, connect and build community. This can create a sense of belonging and help fight loneliness - something the WHO has identified as a growing concern for people's health - and support mental wellbeing.

As part of the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP), schools across the nation are invited to join the movement. Through OVEP, in collaboration with the IOC and the governments of Chandigarh UT, Odisha and Assam, the Abhinav Bindra Foundation initiative has already positively impacted over 10 million children by enhancing physical activity, gender inclusivity and educational outcomes.

This summer, more than 12 million schoolchildren are expected to take part across Chandigarh, Odisha, and Assam - including practising teamwork and balance through paired yoga, and rhythm and coordination through group dance sessions. There will be a variety of sports and movement activities to try, including skipping, football, cricket, volleyball and kho-kho - together with Olympic-themed arts and crafts on 23 June.

Olympic gold medallist in shooting at Beijing 2008 and IOC Athletes' Commission member Abhinav Bindra said: “Through the Olympic Values Education Programme in Chandigarh, Assam and Odisha, and the inaugural 'Let's Move' campaign in India, we have witnessed how sport can inspire, uplift, and empower the next generation. 'Let's Move +1' carries this spirit forward, reminding us that sport is not just about physical strength—it is about fostering connection, mutual support, and a shared sense of purpose."

The Reliance Foundation, as part of its commitment to OVEP, will be curating a number of initiatives to get more young people moving. These include activating their network of schools with fun “Let's Move” activities. A special Olympic Day celebration on 23 June will see 1,450 schoolchildren move and interact with Olympians, including celebrated archers Atanu Das and Deepika Kumari.

“Sport has shaped who I am - it's given me strength, taught me resilience, and opened opportunities. It has also shown me the value of having someone in your corner - to lift you up, to help you focus, to bring joy to the journey. That's why I am excited to pay it forward by inviting young people to move with me, and share everything that sport brings,” said Reliance Foundation-supported athlete and four-time Olympian Deepika Kumari.

“Let's Move” launched in collaboration with the WHO on Olympic Day 2023, aiming to create encouragement and opportunities to move more. It forms part of the Olympic Movement's mission to make the world a better place through sport, setting out to highlight the positive impact that sport and fitness have on physical and mental health. Through local physical and digital activations, and partnerships with the Abhinav Bindra Foundation and Reliance Foundation and their ongoing OVEP initiatives, “Let's Move” has already engaged over 20 million people in India.

"Let's Move" is the theme of Olympic Day, the global celebration of sport and getting active that takes place on 23 June each year to commemorate the founding of the modern Olympic Games in 1894. It will continue beyond Olympic Day, with the ambition, along with the support of the Olympic Movement, to continue to inspire and enable people to move and enjoy physical activity through resources, activations, and content.

Join the movement at @OlympicKhel #OlympicDay #LetsMove.

Photo credit: © 2025 International Olympic Committee. All Rights Reserved.

About the International Olympic Committee

The International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit, civil, non-governmental, international organisation made up of volunteers which is committed to building a better world through sport. It redistributes more than 90 per cent of its income to the wider sporting movement, which means that every day the equivalent of USD 4.7 million goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world.

About the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust

The Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT) is a national non-profit organisation committed to advancing sporting excellence and driving social transformation through the power of sport. Founded by India's first individual Olympic gold medallist, Abhinav Bindra, the Foundation is built on the belief that sport is not just a pursuit of medals but a vehicle for holistic development, health, and education.

ABFT's mission is rooted in four core pillars—Education, Mental Wellness, Sports Science Intervention and Social Upliftment. At the heart of this vision is the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP), a global initiative of the IOC that ABFT is leading in India. Through deep partnerships with state governments and local education systems, ABFT has already reached over 12 million schoolchildren across Odisha, Assam, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh—embedding the Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship into daily classroom and community life.

Beyond education, ABFT's work extends into athlete development and support through high-performance training scholarships, injury rehabilitation programmes, and mental wellness initiatives tailored for sportspersons. The Foundation also runs the Abhinav Bindra Sports Medicine and Research Institute (ABSMARI) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha—an advanced academic and clinical hub that integrates global best practices in physiotherapy and sports science education.

In the environmental space, ABFT is pioneering the Olympic Forest Project, a large-scale ecological restoration initiative in Odisha that combines carbon sequestration, indigenous afforestation, and rural livelihood enhancement across over 1,500 hectares.

Through these diverse yet interlinked initiatives, ABFT is building an ecosystem that promotes human development, resilience, and dignity—where sport serves not just as a goal, but as a means to achieve broader societal impact.

www.abft.in

About the Reliance Foundation's sports initiatives

Reliance Foundation's sports initiatives have touched the lives of over 23 million young people since 2013 across the country from over 13,000 schools and colleges, providing an opportunity for talented children anywhere to be able to achieve their dream of a career in sport. It is especially committed to ensuring more presence and the success of girls and female athletes in India, and designs its programmes in a manner that offers them maximum opportunities.

Reliance Foundation's sports programme aims to develop the sporting ecosystem in India starting from the grassroots. Through its scholarship and athletics programmes, the foundation currently supports over 200 athletes in more than 10 Olympic sports. It also operates three world-class athletics training facilities in India, and has partnerships with the IOC, IOA, AFI and Odisha government.

Reliance Foundation runs the Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) football academy, which is India's highest-rated football academy, with many graduates going on to represent various ISL clubs. The Foundation's approach to developing the football ecosystem includes organising four grassroots competitions: Reliance Foundation Youth Sports, RFYC Naupang League, RFYC Coastal League and Reliance Foundation Development League.

For more information, go to: https://www.rfyouthsports.com/

Reliance Foundation Hosts an Unprecedented Celebration of India's Olympians and Paralympian’s and their Inspirational Journeys

In a landmark moment for Indian sports, Reliance Foundation, under the visionary leadership of Mrs. Nita M. Ambani, hosted United in Triumph—an evening celebrating equality and excellence through the unifying power of sport—on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Antilia, Mumbai.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Nita M. Ambani said: “This is truly historic. Over the last two months, our Olympians & Paralympians proudly took the tricolor to the world! Tonight, for the first time, they are all under one roof. Tonight, for the first time, there are over 140 Olympic and Paralympic athletes who have come together on the same platform. United in Triumph, United in Celebration and United in the inclusive spirit of sport.”

Mrs Ambani also spoke about the ‘transformational power of sport’ and hailed the contribution of India’s female athletes to the country’s Olympic successes, saying, “Their successes are even more special because of the difficulties women face in pursuing professional sport. Not just economic challenges, even getting permission from their families, or finding facilities to train, access to physios and rehab centres, or simply how far they have to travel from their villages to reach a coach. It’s a long and difficult journey for girls to get recognized in sports. And despite that, our female athletes have reached the pinnacle of success. They are sending out a strong message to the little girls who are watching – a message that they are unstoppable and that nothing is impossible for them!”

Mr Akash Ambani thanked the athletes for their presence, saying, “On behalf of the entire Reliance family, thank you for your inspiration. I would also like to thank my mother, Mrs Nita Ambani, for making this evening possible. Like everything else we do at Reliance Foundation, United in Triumph is her vision”

Athletes across disciplines were honored for their hard work, passion, and the profound impact they've had in bringing India to the global forefront in both the Olympics and Paralympics. Among the attendees were Olympic and Paralympic medalists such as Neeraj Chopra, Manu Bhaker, and Murlikant Petkar, India's first-ever Paralympic gold medalist. Also present were Devendra Jhajharia, the first Indian to win two Paralympic gold medals and the President of the Paralympic Committee of India, alongside Sumit Antil, Nitesh Kumar, Harvinder Singh, Dharambir Nain, Navdeep Singh, and Praveen Kumar, who all secured gold at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The event was graced by other notable athletes, including Preethi Pal, Mona Agarwal, Simran Sharma, Deepthi Jeevanji, and Olympians like Sarabjot Singh, Swapnil Kusale, and Aman Sehrawat. The Indian men’s hockey team was represented by captain Harmanpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh, both members of the medal-winning squad in Paris. Olympic medalist Lovlina Borgohain and Dhinidhi Desinghu, the youngest member of India’s contingent at just 14 years of age, were also in attendance. Their achievements have not only brought glory to the nation but have inspired future generations to strive for excellence in sports.

The ceremony was also attended by Indian sporting legends like Deepa Malik, Sania Mirza, Karnam Malleswari and Pullela Gopichand who have inspired countless younger athletes with their achievements and excellence.

Bollywood superstars Ranveer Singh and Kartik Aaryan who starred in sports-centric movies like 83 and Chandu Champion respectively, were also at the event to show their support for India’s sporting heroes and cheer the athletes on as they were honoured.

In a heart-warming and moving gesture, Mrs Ambani was presented with the Paris 2024 Paralympic Torch, a symbol of equality and unity, by Devendra Jhajharia, Sumit Antil and Satyanarayana, chief coach of Paralympic Committee of India, as a token of appreciation for her efforts to make sports more inclusive in India.

United in Triumph not only celebrated athletic excellence but also highlighted the importance of equality in recognition, regardless of the arena. This event marked a new chapter in Indian sports, one where every athlete is celebrated for their dedication, resilience, and pursuit of excellence. The athletes reiterated their support for Mrs Ambani’s vision of helping India become a sporting nation that has success in multiple sports and acknowledged the need to further bolster the Olympic movement in the country by showing their solidarity and committing to making a difference in their ways by inspiring the next-gen.

Reliance Foundation Hosts an Unprecedented Celebration of India's Olympians and Paralympian’s and their Inspirational Journeys

In a landmark moment for Indian sports, Reliance Foundation, under the visionary leadership of Mrs. Nita M. Ambani, hosted United in Triumph—an evening celebrating equality and excellence through the unifying power of sport—on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Antilia, Mumbai.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Nita M. Ambani said: “This is truly historic. Over the last two months, our Olympians & Paralympians proudly took the tricolor to the world! Tonight, for the first time, they are all under one roof. Tonight, for the first time, there are over 140 Olympic and Paralympic athletes who have come together on the same platform. United in Triumph, United in Celebration and United in the inclusive spirit of sport.”

Mrs Ambani also spoke about the ‘transformational power of sport’ and hailed the contribution of India’s female athletes to the country’s Olympic successes, saying, “Their successes are even more special because of the difficulties women face in pursuing professional sport. Not just economic challenges, even getting permission from their families, or finding facilities to train, access to physios and rehab centres, or simply how far they have to travel from their villages to reach a coach. It’s a long and difficult journey for girls to get recognized in sports. And despite that, our female athletes have reached the pinnacle of success. They are sending out a strong message to the little girls who are watching – a message that they are unstoppable and that nothing is impossible for them!”

Mr Akash Ambani thanked the athletes for their presence, saying, “On behalf of the entire Reliance family, thank you for your inspiration. I would also like to thank my mother, Mrs Nita Ambani, for making this evening possible. Like everything else we do at Reliance Foundation, United in Triumph is her vision”

Athletes across disciplines were honored for their hard work, passion, and the profound impact they've had in bringing India to the global forefront in both the Olympics and Paralympics. Among the attendees were Olympic and Paralympic medalists such as Neeraj Chopra, Manu Bhaker, and Murlikant Petkar, India's first-ever Paralympic gold medalist. Also present were Devendra Jhajharia, the first Indian to win two Paralympic gold medals and the President of the Paralympic Committee of India, alongside Sumit Antil, Nitesh Kumar, Harvinder Singh, Dharambir Nain, Navdeep Singh, and Praveen Kumar, who all secured gold at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The event was graced by other notable athletes, including Preethi Pal, Mona Agarwal, Simran Sharma, Deepthi Jeevanji, and Olympians like Sarabjot Singh, Swapnil Kusale, and Aman Sehrawat. The Indian men’s hockey team was represented by captain Harmanpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh, both members of the medal-winning squad in Paris. Olympic medalist Lovlina Borgohain and Dhinidhi Desinghu, the youngest member of India’s contingent at just 14 years of age, were also in attendance. Their achievements have not only brought glory to the nation but have inspired future generations to strive for excellence in sports.

The ceremony was also attended by Indian sporting legends like Deepa Malik, Sania Mirza, Karnam Malleswari and Pullela Gopichand who have inspired countless younger athletes with their achievements and excellence.

Bollywood superstars Ranveer Singh and Kartik Aaryan who starred in sports-centric movies like 83 and Chandu Champion respectively, were also at the event to show their support for India’s sporting heroes and cheer the athletes on as they were honoured.

In a heart-warming and moving gesture, Mrs Ambani was presented with the Paris 2024 Paralympic Torch, a symbol of equality and unity, by Devendra Jhajharia, Sumit Antil and Satyanarayana, chief coach of Paralympic Committee of India, as a token of appreciation for her efforts to make sports more inclusive in India.

United in Triumph not only celebrated athletic excellence but also highlighted the importance of equality in recognition, regardless of the arena. This event marked a new chapter in Indian sports, one where every athlete is celebrated for their dedication, resilience, and pursuit of excellence. The athletes reiterated their support for Mrs Ambani’s vision of helping India become a sporting nation that has success in multiple sports and acknowledged the need to further bolster the Olympic movement in the country by showing their solidarity and committing to making a difference in their ways by inspiring the next-gen.