23 Reliance Foundation Athletes Set To Shine At World University Games

Last Updated:July 19, 2025, 21:06 IST

23 athletes backed by Reliance Foundation will compete at the World University Games in Germany until July 27th.

Reliance Foundation's Animesh Kujur, Acy Sojan and Mrinal Chauhan at World University Games

A contingent of 23 athletes supported by the Reliance Foundation is set to compete at the World University Games across six cities in Germany, with events running until July 27th. Representing athletics, archery, and judo, these young talents aim to improve international rankings, achieve personal bests, and bring home laurels.

The athletics team forms the backbone of the foundation’s campaign, with 18 athletes competing in sprints, jumps, throws, hurdles, relay, long jump, decathlon, and other events, beginning July 21st.

James Hillier, Director of Athletics at Reliance Foundation, emphasised the importance of the World University Games, stating, “The World University Games is a very important competition for us. It is one of the few opportunities that athletes get to compete in a multi-sport environment. Athletes from different disciplines get to interact with each other and get the best out of their counterparts, which is a big benefit for them."

Discussing the expectations for RF athletes, Hillier noted, “The starting point is for all our athletes to finish ahead of their current ranking. We expect that because we pride ourselves on preparing our athletes better than anybody else – so it is not about who is the best athlete but who is the best-prepared athlete."

Who Are The Athletes To Watch In Athletics?

• Jeswin Aldrin (Long Jump)
• Ancy Sojan (Long Jump)
• Moumita Mondal (100mH, Long Jump)
• Animesh Kujur (200m, 4×100)
• Manikanta Hoblidhar (100m, 4×100)
• Gurindervir Singh (100m, 4×100)
• DM Jayaram (4×100)
• Lalu Prasad Bhoi (4x100m)
• Harshita Sehrawat (Hammer Throw)
• Sahil Silwal (Javelin Throw)
• Karishma Sanil (Javelin Throw)
• Kiran Matre (10000m)
• Seema (10000m)
• Shreevarthani SK (400mH)
• Poorna Raorane (Shot Put)
• Reegan Ganesan (Pole Vault)
• Jasbir Nayak (Decathlon)

Animesh Kujur will aim to elevate his performance in the 200m after his recent outings, including his participation in the Meeting Herculis EBS (Monaco Diamond League) in the U23 200m event, as part of his European tour. Similarly, the all-Reliance Foundation relay team comprising Animesh Kujur, Manikanta Hoblidhar, Gurindervir Singh, DM Jayaram, and Lalu Prasad Bhoi will blend camaraderie and capability to reaffirm Reliance Foundation’s mission of preparing a world-class relay team.

Moumita Mondal achieved a new personal best of 13.24s in the 100m hurdles earlier this month, making her the fourth best in India ever. She will also compete against her RF training partner Ancy Sojan in the long jump, who boasts a personal best of 6.71m. They will look to bring the best out of each other at the World University Games.

Quiet Firepower in Archery & Judo: As part of the Reliance Foundation Scholarship Program, the Foundation supports promising athletes in archery and judo who will compete in these tournaments.

In Archery?

• Mrinal Chauhan and Vishnu Choudhary – Recurve (Men)
• Kushal Dalal – Compound (Men)

In Judo?

• Himanshi Tokas (Below 63kg) – A gold medallist at the Jr. Asian Cup 2025 in Taipei, Himanshi aims to continue her winning streak on the university stage.

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...

Read More

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News sports 23 Reliance Foundation Athletes Set To Shine At World University Games