Young Fitness Enthusiast Om Yakhmi Championing Health and Community Through Sports
At 16, Om Yakhmi is a dedicated fitness enthusiast and leader, inspiring his peers to embrace a healthy lifestyle and participate in community events. He recently led his friends in the Mumbai Monsoon half-Marathon and organized the successful ‘Bombay BALLERS and Mumbai KICKOFFS Football Tournament,’ which brought together young footballers and also raised funds for the Nina Foundation. Om’s efforts highlight the power of youth in fostering community spirit and supporting humanitarian causes through sports.
At just 16, Om Yakhmi is already a dedicated fitness enthusiast. His commitment to weight-training at the gym has yielded impressive results, visible in his well-toned physique. Beyond his personal fitness journey, Om is passionate about inspiring his schoolmates to embrace a healthy lifestyle. Often, he takes his friends to the gym, fostering a culture of fitness among his peers.
Currently in the 11th standard, Om belongs to a closely-knit group of six boys who share a strong bond. They frequently spend time together, strengthening their friendship and positively influencing one another in both academics and extra-curricular activities.
One notable example of their collective enthusiasm was their participation in the Mumbai Monsoon Marathon held on July 7, 2024
A Marathon to Remember
On the morning of July 7, 2024, Om and his friends ran the 21 km Mumbai Monsoon half-Marathon. Despite being among the youngest participants, they completed the race with determination and pride, each earning a well-deserved medal. Parents ensured the boys arrived on time for the event, which started at Bandra Fort Garden, Lands’ End, Bandra West, Mumbai. The scenic route along the coastal line of Bandra, combined with the refreshing raindrops, created an invigorating atmosphere for the runners.
Organizing the Bombay BALLERS and Mumbai KICKOFFS Football Tournament
Another major highlight of Om’s leadership was organizing the ‘Bombay BALLERS and Mumbai KICKOFFS Football Tournament’ with his schoolmates. Held on June 29–30, 2024 at Skyturf@Inspire BKC, Mumbai, the event saw participation from 32 teams, divided into two age groups: 14 years and above. Matches took place between 2 pm and 8 pm on both days, overseen by professional referees. This groundbreaking event brought together enthusiastic players and their supporters, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
Community Spirit and Camaraderie
The tournament was more than just competitive matches; it fostered a strong sense of community. Teenagers mingled, played, and enjoyed the spirit of the game, highlighting the joy and camaraderie that sports bring. The meticulous planning and dedication of Om and his friends were evident in every aspect of the event. The success of the tournament was a testament to their hard work and passion for football. Om led the Bombay BALLERS group, while his friend, Jai, led the Mumbai KICKOFFS, with their leadership ensuring the event ran smoothly and was enjoyed by all.
A Tournament with a Purpose
“We were thrilled to see such an amazing turnout and the level of enthusiasm from all the participants,” said Om Yakhmi. “This tournament is a testament to the love for football in our community, and we look forward to making it a regular event. Moreover, we are proud to announce that a portion of the event’s proceeds was donated to the Nina Foundation, an NGO which works for the rehabilitation of individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI), adding a new dimension of purpose to our efforts.”
Jai Bajaj added, “Seeing the younger age-group boys play with such passion is incredibly rewarding. Our goal was to create an event where young footballers could showcase their talents and have fun, and we’ve definitely achieved that.”
The organizing group announced a donation of Rs. 11,000, a portion of the event’s proceeds, to the Nina Foundation. Dr. Ketna L. Mehta, Founder Trustee of the Foundation, said, “We are delighted to be associated with the Bombay BALLERS and Mumbai KICKOFFS tournament. The enthusiasm and community spirit displayed at this event align perfectly with our mission to improve the lives of individuals with spinal cord injuries. This tournament organized by Om and his friends has demonstrated how sports can also focus on a humanitarian cause like SCI rehabilitation.”
Celebrating Victories and Looking Ahead
The tournament concluded with ‘Useless FC’ emerging as the winner in the Bombay BALLERS group and ‘Cityzens’ claiming victory in the Mumbai KICKOFFS group. Their outstanding performances showcased the high calibre of talent present at the event.
The Bombay BALLERS and Mumbai KICKOFFS Football Tournament has set a high standard for grassroots football in Mumbai. With the successful conclusion of this year’s tournament, plans are already underway for the next edition.
