The Reliance Foundation athletes exhibited remarkable talent at the 65th Inter-State Athletics Championships held in Bhubaneswar, where they secured a total of 33 medals. This impressive tally consisted of 14 gold, 13 silver, and six bronze medals. In addition, 15 athletes from the Reliance Foundation met the qualification standards needed for the upcoming Asian Games.

The five-day event highlighted the effectiveness of the Reliance Foundation’s athlete development initiative, as participants excelled across various track and field disciplines. Notably, Sreeshankar Murali and Ancy Sojan received accolades as the Best Male Athlete and Best Female Athlete of the championship, respectively, for their outstanding performances.

Notable Achievements on Final Day

On the last day of the competition, the Reliance Foundation representatives increased their medal count by adding two gold and two silver medals. Sreeshankar Murali notably emerged as a standout athlete of the event, attaining gold in long jump with a leap of 8.38 metres at Kalinga Stadium. This jump marked his second-best career achievement, following a personal best of 8.41 metres, and qualified him for his third consecutive Asian Games.

His performance is currently acknowledged as the best jump by an Asian athlete this season and ranks seventh in the world as of 2026. Reflecting on his success, Sreeshankar attributed his strong performance to the Reliance Foundation’s comprehensive support system, which included expert coaching, sports science, rehabilitation, nutrition, and recovery programmes that aided his recovery from prior injuries.

Distance runner Seema also showcased her prowess by completing a long-distance double, winning gold in the women’s 10,000 metres after having previously secured gold in the 5,000 metres during the championships. Furthermore, Yashas P from Karnataka earned a silver medal in the 4x400m relay, complementing his earlier gold in the 400m hurdles. Meanwhile, marathon national record holder Sawan Barwal concluded his participation with a silver medal in the men’s 10,000 metres.

Impact on Indian Athletics

The impressive medal count and multiple qualifications for the Asian Games underscore the significant influence of the Reliance Foundation’s investment in Indian athletics. The consistent performances of its athletes enhance the nation’s prospects in forthcoming international competitions.

The results from the Inter-State Championships not only highlight individual achievements but also reflect the overall advancement of athletic standards in India. With the continued support from the Reliance Foundation, athletes are provided with the resources necessary to excel and reach their full potential.

This successful outing reinforces the foundation’s commitment to promoting sports in India, preparing athletes for greater challenges on both national and international stages. As Indian athletics looks to the future, the contributions from organisations such as the Reliance Foundation will likely remain crucial in nurturing emerging talent and fostering a strong athletics community.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share