The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
MUMBAI, JANUARY 27, 2025
The 38th edition of the National Games, hosted in Uttarakhand from January 28 to February 14, will feature a strong contingent of over 50 Reliance Foundation athletes competing in eight disciplines. The games are set to showcase the talents of India’s top athletes in athletics, boxing, badminton, shooting, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, and table tennis.
Among the headline athletes is Tokyo Olympics medallist Lovlina Borgohain, making her first competitive appearance since the Paris Olympics. She will be joined by rising judo star Himanshi Tokas, who recently broke into the junior world’s top 5 rankings after stellar victories at the African Cup in Casablanca. The athletics event will feature national record holders such as Jyothi Yarraji (100m hurdles), Tejas Shirse (110m hurdles), and Amlan Borgohain (200m), with emerging talents like Animesh Kujur and Sakshi Chavan also aiming to shine.
James Hillier, Athletics Director at Reliance Foundation, expressed excitement about the National Games, highlighting it as an opportunity for athletes to test their fitness and prepare for the 2025 Asian Championships. Jyothi Yarraji and Tejas Shirse enter the games in excellent form after setting indoor national records earlier this month.
In badminton, top contenders include Anupama Upadhyaya, Unnati Hooda, and Shriyanshi Valishetty for the women’s singles title. In table tennis, veteran G Sathiyan will compete for the men’s singles title. The shooting events will feature double Asian Games medallist Palak Gulia and reigning national champion Ashi Chouksey, both of whom are expected to be strong contenders.
With a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging stars, Reliance Foundation athletes are set to make a significant impact at the National Games, marking the start of a year of sporting excellence.
