Mumbai : The Reliance Foundation hosted “United in Triumph” on Sunday, a spectacular celebration of sports led by Nita Ambani at their Antilia residence in Mumbai. This remarkable event brought together 140 Olympians and Paralympians for the first time, honoring their achievements and journeys while emphasizing unity and inclusivity in sports.
Athletes from various disciplines were recognized for their dedication and significant contributions to enhancing India’s reputation in the global sports arena. Notable figures included Olympic and Paralympic champions such as Neeraj Chopra, Manu Bhaker, Murlikant Petkar (India’s first-ever Paralympic gold medalist), and Devendra Jhajharia (the first Indian to win two Paralympic golds and President of the Paralympic Committee of India). They were joined by fellow athletes like Sumit Antil, Nitesh Kumar, Harvinder Singh, Dharambir Nain, Navdeep Singh, and Praveen Kumar, alongside sporting legends like Deepa Malik, Sania Mirza, Karnam Malleswari, Pullela Gopichand, and Harbhajan Singh. Former Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and his family also attended, along with para-shuttlers Suhas Yathiraj and Nitesh Kumar, who recently won medals at the Paris Paralympics.
Nita Ambani, an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, expressed pride in India’s athletes, hoping that “United We Triumph” can evolve into a movement. “It’s a very special evening. For the first time, India’s Paris Olympians and Paralympians are gathering on the same platform. We are so proud of them; all Indians are proud of each one of them. Today, we honor them and show our love and respect,” she remarked.
The event also welcomed Bollywood stars Kartik Aryan and Ranveer Singh, further enhancing its celebratory atmosphere. “United in Triumph,” an initiative spearheaded by Nita M Ambani, represents a historic moment in Indian sports by uniting Olympians and Paralympians on a single stage for the first time. Under her visionary leadership, the Reliance Foundation aims to reshape India’s Olympic future. This initiative, along with the India House at the Paris Olympics 2024 last month, underscores the commitment to preparing India for future Olympic success and solidifying its status as a rising power in international sports.
