Heartfulness and Reliance Foundation Host Meditation Program at Paris Olympics

Mumbai / Paris, 26 July 2024: In yet another milestone partnership, Heartfulness has joined hands with the Reliance Foundation to host a unique athlete-centric meditation programme in Paris at the India House, Parc de la Villete, Paris during the 2024 Paris Olympics. The event will be graced by Guest of Honour Ms. Alexandra de Coubertin – President of Pierre de Coubertin Association and Member of IOC culture and Olympic Heritage Commission on the 29th of July. The Association is named after Pierre de Coubertin who was the known as Father of the modern Olympic Games.

This exciting collaboration between Heartfulness and the Reliance Foundation is an opportunity to showcase how sports can be a connector for all types of people, regardless of background, identity, or ethnicity. The Heartfulness-led event will take place from 29th July – 1st August and 7th to 8th August.

Conceptualised by Reliance Foundation in association with the Indian Olympic Association, the India House is the first ever country house for India at the Olympics. It will serve as a home away from home for all Indian athletes and also celebrate India completing over 100 years of participating as a team at the Olympics.

The theme of the experience is, ‘Inner Skill for Athletic Excellence’, and aims to apply Heartfulness meditation to achieve optimal athletic performance. The event, entitled “Applying Meditation for Optimal Athletic Performance”, also aims to elevate Indian culture, sports and heritage. During the event, participants will explore various Heartfulness and meditation techniques that can help athletes reach and sustain peak performance, manage stress and maintain mental clarity in high-pressure situations, and recover and build resilience using meditation. The goal is to help athletes discover the intersection of meditation and sports excellence by inspiring and equipping athletes, coaches, and enthusiasts with the tools necessary to enhance their performance and achieve their full potential.

Speaking on the event, Rev. Daaji, Global Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission said, “Athletics is not simply about physical and physiological strength, but it also about mental fortitude. Many times, sportsmen lose despite best qualifications because they have not developed that mental resilience. Resilience, focus and inner calm is essential to tackle any situation – be it in sports or in life. This is where Heartfulness meditation helps. I am delighted that the Reliance Foundation has collaborated with Heartfulness to empower athletes, as well as people from other backgrounds. Through Heartfulness, we hope to awaken the dormant consciousness among sportsmen and sports-enthusiasts and help unleash their unlimited potential. This opportunity at the Paris Olympics is a momentous occasion for us.”

Keynote speeches will also be delivered on topics such as, “The Power of Meditation in Sports”, “How Meditation Enhances Athletic Performance”, and “The Future of Meditation in Sports”. Participants will also experience Heartfulness meditation as a guided group activity.