Reliance Foundation-supported athletes delivered an outstanding performance at the 65th Inter-State Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar, winning a total of 33 medals, including 14 gold, 13 silver and six bronze, while 15 athletes also achieved the qualification standards for the upcoming Asian Games.
The five-day championship showcased the strength of the Reliance Foundation’s athlete development programme, with its athletes excelling across track and field events. Their dominance was further recognised as Sreeshankar Murali and Ancy Sojan were named the championships’ Best Male Athlete and Best Female Athlete, respectively, for their exceptional performances.
On the final day of competition, Reliance Foundation athletes added two gold and two silver medals to their tally. Long jumper Sreeshankar Murali emerged as one of the biggest stars of the meet, clinching gold with a leap of 8.38 metres at the Kalinga Stadium. The jump, his second-best career effort after his personal best of 8.41 metres, secured qualification for his third consecutive Asian Games. His mark is currently the best jump recorded by an Asian athlete this season and ranks seventh in the world in 2026.
Following his victory, Sreeshankar credited the Reliance Foundation for playing a key role in his comeback from injury. He highlighted the organisation’s comprehensive support system, including specialised coaching, sports science, rehabilitation, nutrition and recovery programmes, which helped him return to peak competitive form.
Distance runner Seema continued her impressive campaign by completing a long-distance double, winning the women’s 10,000 metres after previously securing gold in the 5,000 metres earlier in the championships. Meanwhile, Yashas P of Karnataka added a silver medal in the 4x400m relay after already claiming gold in the 400m hurdles, while marathon national record holder Sawan Barwal concluded the competition with a silver medal in the men’s 10,000 metres.
The strong medal haul and multiple Asian Games qualifications underline the growing impact of Reliance Foundation’s investment in Indian athletics, with its athletes continuing to deliver consistent performances on the national stage while strengthening India’s prospects at upcoming international competitions.
Author
About the Author
