Nine hundred children celebrated a unique Olympic Day organized by the Reliance Foundation, featuring a special carnival as part of the IOC's Let’s Move India initiative, promoting volunteerism and sports. The event on Saturday, 22nd June, held at the Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) in Mumbai, treated children from disadvantaged communities across Mumbai to a day filled with fun, sports, and educational activities centred around Olympic values such as excellence, respect, and friendship.

The highlight of the event was a meet-and-greet session with six-time Olympian Shiva Keshavan. He shared his experiences and emphasized the importance of key Olympic values such as excellence, respect, and friendship with the children. Keshavan also participated in a special "move and groove" session with the children.

The event aimed to inspire children to embrace an active lifestyle and recognize its significance. More than 200 employees from Reliance Ecosystem across verticals volunteered for the initiative, overseeing various sports stations such as basketball, football shootouts, walking races, and fitness sessions, alongside drawing and art activities. These sessions were designed to instil the importance of physical movement and activity among the children, motivating them to adopt healthier lifestyles.

Speaking about the initiative, Keshavan said, “Reliance Foundation has always taken the lead in supporting the growth of the Olympic movement in India. Let's Move is a great way to help children understand the benefits of being physically active and how movement is medicine. The kids were extremely enthusiastic, and their passion and energy were infectious. They had a lot of questions and will learn a lot from this experience. As an Olympian, I hold the Olympic values very close to my heart, and they are values that will serve the kids well in their lives too. I hope some of these kids are inspired to play sports actively and maybe even pursue a career in it”

Leandro Larrosa, Director, Digital Engagement and Marketing, IOC, added, "Thank you to the Reliance Foundation, for collaborating on the Let’s Move initiative in India, and creating this opportunity for young people to meet and learn from an Olympian. The initiative is all about encouraging people to embrace the joy of movement and an active lifestyle as the world warms up for Paris 2024 and we hope this will inspire more kids in India to join the fun of sport”.

Through the Let’s Move India campaign, Reliance Foundation aims to promote inclusivity, development, and the importance of physical activity among 10,000 children from disadvantaged communities across multiple cities in India in the coming weeks. This initiative will be facilitated by 500 volunteers from Reliance employees, who will work towards encouraging a healthier lifestyle and fostering positive growth among these children. The Let’s Move India edition aligns with Reliance Foundation's goal of supporting the expansion of the Olympic movement in India and engaging more kids with Olympic values through sports. The initiative is part of the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP), supported by a partnership between the Reliance Foundation and the IOC.

Be part of Let’s Move India on social media: @rfyouthsports, @reliancefoundation @olympickhel, using the following hashtags: #LetsMoveIndia #Paris2024 #RelianceFoundation #RFSports #LetsPlay

Catch the Paris 2024 Olympics Games action live, exclusively on Jio Cinema in India.

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 4.2 million goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world.

*Charting India's Olympic Journey: Reliance Foundation & Indian Olympic Association announce the first ever India House at the Paris 2024 Olympics*

*India House will serve as a home away from home for the athletes, fans and a showcase of India to the world*

The Paris 2024 Olympics, which is exactly a month away, will see plenty of historic firsts but the one that holds immense significance for India will be the first-ever country House at the Olympic Games – the India House. Conceptualized by Reliance Foundation as part of their partnership with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the India House will be a celebration of the nation’s rich cultural and sporting heritage, showcasing India’s storied past, vibrant present, and exciting future alongside advances in technology and digitalisation. As India House prepares to open its doors to athletes, dignitaries, and sports enthusiasts from around the world, it will embody the spirit of unity, diversity, and excellence that defines the Indian ethos.

Speaking about the significance of the India House, Mrs. Nita M. Ambani, IOC member and Founder and Chairperson, of Reliance Foundation said, “It is with immense joy and excitement that I am thrilled to announce the first-ever India House at the Paris Olympic Games. The IOC session in India last year, the first in 40 years, was a key milestone in our Olympic journey. And we are delighted to continue this momentum with the launch of India House – a space where we will honour our athletes, celebrate our wins, share our stories, and welcome the world to India.”

She further added, “We truly hope that India House will be one more step towards fulfilling the shared dream of 1.4 billion Indians to bring the Olympic Movement to India!”. Watch the full announcement video on India House here.

Ms. PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, said, "The inaugural India House in partnership with Reliance Foundation will be one of the main attractions for Indian fans and athletes at the Paris Olympics. It will also be a great way for fans and people from other countries to know more about India and what makes it so special. India has proven its mettle as a host of major events and India House will reflect the strides we have made as a sporting nation as well as in the Olympic movement. I would like to thank IOC Member Mrs. Nita Ambani for driving this initiative and India’s Olympic Movement."

A Showcase of Indian Culture and Heritage

Situated in the iconic Parc de la Villette, which has been designated as the "Park of Nations" during the Games, the India House will be surrounded by 14 other Hospitality Houses in the Park, including the Houses from Netherlands, Canada, Brazil and hosts, France. India House promises to provide a glimpse of India’s talent, potential, and ambition to the world by offering a variety of experiences for fans to immerse themselves in – from culture to arts and sports to culinary treats and experiences like yoga, handicrafts, music, and performances from Indian dance groups.

A Home Away from Home for Indian Athletes and Fans

India House aims to be a home away from home for the country’s attending athletes and to celebrate India’s victories and medal wins. It will also be a space for visitors to interact with sporting legends and the destination to catch key events with friends through engaging events as it will be open to media and fans from all countries. The Watch Parties of key Indian events will be exclusively held in partnership with Viacom18, the exclusive media rights holders for the Olympic Games in India at the India House.

Celebrating India's Olympic Journey and Ambition:

India House will commemorate 100 years since India competed at the Olympic Games for the first time under the aegis of the IOA in 1920. It symbolizes the evolution of India as a formidable contender in the world of sports and reflects the nation's unwavering commitment to the Olympic movement and ambition to host a future Olympic Games.

Opening the window to India

The India House in Paris will serve as a vibrant portal to the rich and diverse tapestry of Indian culture. Its logo, inspired by the intricate design of the jharokha, symbolizes this unique window to India. Rendered in a spectrum of India's vivid hues, the logo beautifully captures the essence of the nation’s diversity and will be woven into every aspect of the India House Olympic experience in Paris, inviting all to immerse themselves in the Indian cultural mosaic.

A Collaborative Endeavor

Established by Reliance Foundation as the principal partner of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), India House represents a collective effort to elevate Indian sports globally.

Viacom 18-Home of the Paris 2024 Olympics in India, will provide best-in-class coverage of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 across JioCinema and Sports18 Network. As the exclusive Media Rights Holders for the Games, Viacom18's comprehensive presentation will feature must-watch events for Indian fans, highlight standout Indian athletes, and showcase historic Olympic performances https://www.sports18.com/ | JioCinema.com

Learn more about India House on India House website, Instagram, Snapchat

*Charting India's Olympic Journey: Reliance Foundation & Indian Olympic Association announce the first ever India House at the Paris 2024 Olympics*

*India House will serve as a home away from home for the athletes, fans and a showcase of India to the world*

The Paris 2024 Olympics, which is exactly a month away, will see plenty of historic firsts but the one that holds immense significance for India will be the first-ever country House at the Olympic Games – the India House. Conceptualized by Reliance Foundation as part of their partnership with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the India House will be a celebration of the nation’s rich cultural and sporting heritage, showcasing India’s storied past, vibrant present, and exciting future alongside advances in technology and digitalisation. As India House prepares to open its doors to athletes, dignitaries, and sports enthusiasts from around the world, it will embody the spirit of unity, diversity, and excellence that defines the Indian ethos.

Speaking about the significance of the India House, Mrs. Nita M. Ambani, IOC member and Founder and Chairperson, of Reliance Foundation said, “It is with immense joy and excitement that I am thrilled to announce the first-ever India House at the Paris Olympic Games. The IOC session in India last year, the first in 40 years, was a key milestone in our Olympic journey. And we are delighted to continue this momentum with the launch of India House – a space where we will honour our athletes, celebrate our wins, share our stories, and welcome the world to India.”

She further added, “We truly hope that India House will be one more step towards fulfilling the shared dream of 1.4 billion Indians to bring the Olympic Movement to India!”. Watch the full announcement video on India House here.

Ms. PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, said, "The inaugural India House in partnership with Reliance Foundation will be one of the main attractions for Indian fans and athletes at the Paris Olympics. It will also be a great way for fans and people from other countries to know more about India and what makes it so special. India has proven its mettle as a host of major events and India House will reflect the strides we have made as a sporting nation as well as in the Olympic movement. I would like to thank IOC Member Mrs. Nita Ambani for driving this initiative and India’s Olympic Movement."

A Showcase of Indian Culture and Heritage

Situated in the iconic Parc de la Villette, which has been designated as the "Park of Nations" during the Games, the India House will be surrounded by 14 other Hospitality Houses in the Park, including the Houses from Netherlands, Canada, Brazil and hosts, France. India House promises to provide a glimpse of India’s talent, potential, and ambition to the world by offering a variety of experiences for fans to immerse themselves in – from culture to arts and sports to culinary treats and experiences like yoga, handicrafts, music, and performances from Indian dance groups.

A Home Away from Home for Indian Athletes and Fans

India House aims to be a home away from home for the country’s attending athletes and to celebrate India’s victories and medal wins. It will also be a space for visitors to interact with sporting legends and the destination to catch key events with friends through engaging events as it will be open to media and fans from all countries. The Watch Parties of key Indian events will be exclusively held in partnership with Viacom18, the exclusive media rights holders for the Olympic Games in India at the India House.

Celebrating India's Olympic Journey and Ambition:

India House will commemorate 100 years since India competed at the Olympic Games for the first time under the aegis of the IOA in 1920. It symbolizes the evolution of India as a formidable contender in the world of sports and reflects the nation's unwavering commitment to the Olympic movement and ambition to host a future Olympic Games.

Opening the window to India

The India House in Paris will serve as a vibrant portal to the rich and diverse tapestry of Indian culture. Its logo, inspired by the intricate design of the jharokha, symbolizes this unique window to India. Rendered in a spectrum of India's vivid hues, the logo beautifully captures the essence of the nation’s diversity and will be woven into every aspect of the India House Olympic experience in Paris, inviting all to immerse themselves in the Indian cultural mosaic.

A Collaborative Endeavor

Established by Reliance Foundation as the principal partner of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), India House represents a collective effort to elevate Indian sports globally.

Viacom 18-Home of the Paris 2024 Olympics in India, will provide best-in-class coverage of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 across JioCinema and Sports18 Network. As the exclusive Media Rights Holders for the Games, Viacom18's comprehensive presentation will feature must-watch events for Indian fans, highlight standout Indian athletes, and showcase historic Olympic performances https://www.sports18.com/ | JioCinema.com

Learn more about India House on India House website, Instagram, Snapchat

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.