Reeth Abraham
Reeth Abraham | |
|---|---|
| Born | Mysore, India |
| Occupation(s) | Athlete, Sports advocate, Director at NEB Sports Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. |
| Years active | 1976–1992 (competitive athlete) |
| Known for | Former Asian medalist in long jump and 100 meters hurdles; national champion in heptathlon; Arjuna Award recipient |
Reeth Abraham is a distinguished athlete originating from Bengaluru, India, recognized as a former Asian medalist in both long jump and 100 meters hurdles, along with being a past national champion in the heptathlon. She was honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1997 and received the Rajyotsava Award in 1983. Her competitive career extended over 15 years (1976–1992), during which she amassed 16 Gold and 11 Silver medals at various national-level championships.
Currently, Reeth actively participates in the World Masters competitions, where she holds the titles of World and Asian Masters Champion in Triple Jump within her age group. She serves as the joint convenor of Clean Sports India and is a proactive advocate for fitness and healthy living, engaging in numerous running events and marathons across India. Since 2014, she has been the Brand Ambassador for the Shriram Properties Bengaluru Marathon. Furthermore, she holds the position of Director at NEB Sports Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.
Personal life
Originating from Mysore, Reeth began her involvement in sports at the age of 12. She attended Christ the King Convent in Mysore, an institution known for its strong emphasis on athletics. Alongside track and field, she competed in kho kho, basketball, and throwball at university and state levels before dedicating herself exclusively to athletics. Her higher education was completed at Maharani College in Bangalore. Reeth comes from a family of athletes, with four sisters who also achieved success in sports at university, state, and national tiers.
She is a mother to two children: Shilka and Shamir.
Career
Throughout her 15-year tenure as an athlete (1976–1992), Reeth represented both Karnataka and India on numerous occasions, consistently breaking records through unwavering commitment and discipline.
National events
At national championships, she secured a total of 16 Gold and 11 Silver medals. Between 1983 and 1987 (with the exception of 1985), she garnered several medals competing in the heptathlon. Post-1988, her focus shifted to specializing in the 100 meters hurdles and long jump, where she claimed national titles across all three disciplines and established national records in both long jump and heptathlon.
Remarkably, she clinched a national championship title less than a year after childbirth.
International events
On the international stage, Reeth earned multiple medals representing India by competing in two Asian Games, three Asian Track & Field Championships, and two editions of the South Asian Games. At the South Asian Games held in 1989 (Islamabad) and 1991 (Colombo), she won three Golds and one Silver across long jump and 100 meters hurdles events, also setting the South Asian Games record for long jump.
She holds the distinction of being the first Indian mother to break both a national record and a South Asian Games record, as well as being the first Asian woman to secure an individual Asian medal while being a mother.
Masters events
Reeth continues her athletic pursuits by competing regularly in the World Masters Athletics Championships, which feature athletes aged over 35. She has earned medals at these events held in 2003 (Carolina, Puerto Rico), 2011 (Sacramento, United States), and 2013 (Porto Alegre, Brazil).
In 2003, she obtained a bronze medal in Long Jump within the W40 category. At Sacramento in 2011, she achieved silver medals in Long Jump and Triple Jump competing under W45 category. Later, at Porto Alegre in 2013, she secured bronze in Long Jump for the W50 category.
Other engagements
In 1983, Reeth partnered with Sunil Abraham to establish the "SURE" athletic program aimed at mentoring and advancing young sports talents.
She plays an active role in promoting fitness and running events throughout India, including various marathon competitions. Serving as a coach at the Nike Run Club in Bangalore, she contributes to efforts that encourage wider community involvement in running activities.
Awards and honours
- 1983: Rajyotsava Award (Top State Honour)
- 1990: Dasara Award (State Recognition)
- 1997: Arjuna Award
- 1999: Indian Banks Association Award for exceptional accomplishments
- 1999: Rotary Award acknowledging contributions to athletics
- 1999: Lions Award for services to athletics
- 2018:
Clean Sports India
In June 2010, Reeth co-established Clean Sports India along with Ashwini Nachappa, Vandana Shanbagh, Sunita Godara, Vandana Rao, and other athletes. This organization advocates for athlete participation in sports governance at every level and actively fights against doping within sports.
Currently, she holds the position of joint convenor at Clean Sports India.
See also
External links
- 1960s births
- Living people
- Indian women long jumpers
- Indian women hurdlers
- 20th-century Indian sportswomen
- Recipients of the Arjuna Award
- Kodava people
- Sportspeople from Mysore
- Athletes from Bengaluru
- Sportswomen from Karnataka
- South Asian Games gold medalists for India
- South Asian Games medalists in athletics
- South Asian Games gold medalists in athletics
- Asian Athletics Championships medalists