“I’m Cyril Veronis, born and based in Chennai, a city that has always taught me how to balance passion with purpose. Wanting to give back to the community that shaped me led me to Karpi, an NGO that teaches beyond textbooks. There, I teach photography to children who don’t often get access to creative learning, helping them see the world with curiosity and confidence.

Alongside this, I work as a Media Production Specialist and Educator at the American International School, while also freelancing to create short films and media projects. When I’m not creating or teaching, you’ll find me on the field coaching soccer or training for my next race.

Movement has always been my language. Over the years, I’ve run 35+ marathons, duathlons, trail runs, and obstacle races. I’ve cycled across cities, trained athletes, and learned that endurance isn’t just about the body, it’s about the mind. That mindset took me somewhere I never expected, to represent India at the YOU.FO World Cup in Tokyo, Japan.

YOU.FO is a fast growing international sport that blends ultimate frisbee and lacrosse. I first played it during a training session at school, introduced by my colleague Giovanni Bello. What started as a fun game soon became a passion. Months later, I got a message from Giel, the Sports Director of YOU.FO International, inviting me to represent India at the World Cup. I was the only Indian athlete selected.

With a few weeks to prepare, I used my savings and flew solo to Tokyo. The tournament brought together players from over twelve nations, and I was placed in a mixed team with Japanese athletes. Despite never having met before, we played as one.

We finished 21st out of 26 teams, but for me, it was never about the score. Representing my country, learning from athletes worldwide, and pushing my limits was victory enough. When the final whistle blew, I remember walking out with tears in my eyes. It wasn’t sadness, it was gratitude, for the opportunity, for saying yes, and for the pride of carrying my country’s name.

That journey changed everything. It reminded me that the best things happen when you step into the unknown. Today, I’m working to introduce YOU.FO in schools and communities across India, hoping it inspires others the way it inspired me.

For me, Chennai will always be the starting line, a city that teaches you to run, play, dream, and chase what moves you. And this time, it took me all the way to Tokyo.”