Raadhika Khetarpal wears many hats. She is an actor, dancer a business woman and much more. Of the numerous things where she invests her time, one thing that is close to her heart is para-sports. She was integral part of India’s first docu-series on para-athletes “Mission Made Possible”. Her initiative Radiant Sports Management has also worked diligently to promote para-sports in India.
Her passion for para-sports recently took her to New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to see the World Para Athletics Grand Prix. The Grand Prix was held from March 11 to March 13 and it was the first time that India held event. The hosts dominated the Grand Prix and topped the medals table with a stunning total of 134 medals, including 45 gold, 40 silver, and 49 bronze. With athletes delivering exceptional performances across track and field events, the host nation showcased its growing strength, depth, and determination in para athletics on the global stage.
Raadhika loves seeing para-athletes do well on and off the field. Their growth inspires her. She has seen many para-athletes at close quarters and wants to continue working for them.
The Sportz Planet caught up with Raadhika for an interview to understand the importance of World Para Athletics Grand Prix, how the para-sports in growing in India, what motivates her to work for para-athletes and much more.
The excerpts of the interview are below:
Q: How was your experience attending the, Para-athletics Grand Prix at in New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium a few days ago.
Raadhika Khetarpal: Personally, for me, attending this international event, especially for the para-sports community, was extremely emotional. There was a feeling of pride because, this was India’s first international para event. It was hosted in the build up to the World Championship which is going to be taking place in September this year in New Delhi.
This was an emotional moment for me because I have worked closely with countless grassroots para-athletes and witnessed their struggles and triumphs firsthand. It’s crucial to recognize that nearly 4% of India’s population falls under the differently-abled category—a significant number that cannot be overlooked.
At the recently held National Para Athletics Championships, we saw a remarkable surge in participation, a testament to the growing awareness and support for para-sports in India. This momentum aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India)—a future where every sector, no matter how niche, is nurtured and empowered to contribute to the nation’s progress.
One of the most groundbreaking events in this journey was the Para Athletics Grand Prix, which brought together 280 athletes from 20 countries to compete across 98 events. This was a historic milestone for India, reinforcing the nation’s capability to host world-class para-sporting events and strengthening its bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the future.
However, while these large-scale events bring visibility, the real transformation begins at the grassroots level. Encouraging and supporting young para-athletes from the start is essential to building a sustainable and world-class ecosystem for differently-abled sports in India.
I had the privilege of working closely with Paul Fitzgerald, the head of World Para Athletics, to create India’s first differently abled sports award in the capacity of the event President along with jury such as Ashwini Nachappa, Ashok Dhyanchand, PCI chief Coach Satyanarayan and many others for 400+ Differently Abled Athletes covering all forms of disability and 22+ differently abled sports federations dedicated. This initiative provided unprecedented media visibility to these athletes, many of whom had never received the recognition they truly deserved.
India has the potential to become a global leader in para-athletics, but this will require consistent investment, infrastructure, policy support, and media representation. The journey has begun, but there is still much to achieve—and I am committed to being a part of this transformation.
Q: How were the preparations for the event?
Raadhika Khetarpal: Before I talk about the preparations for the event, I want to first acknowledge the incredible efforts of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI). Over the years, PCI has not only inspired para-athletes but also provided them with the platform to compete, excel, and represent India on the global stage. We are talking about milestones like the Paralympics, the World Para Athletics Championships, and now, India preparing to host the World Championships—a truly historic moment for our country. Recently, India successfully hosted the Para Grand Prix, marking yet another step forward. This is a powerful testament to PCI’s growth, commitment, and relentless efforts in transforming para-sports in India.
Now, coming to the preparations for this event—I have been deeply involved in para-sports since 2017, a time when media coverage was almost nonexistent. Back then, there were no television broadcasts, no branding, and very limited resources. Athletes often struggled with basic necessities like access to clean drinking water, and the overall infrastructure was far from inclusive.
Fast forward to today, and the transformation is incredible. For this event, we had access to a well-equipped stadium. The athletes, many of whom traveled from across the globe, were accommodated in four-star and five-star hotels—a level of hospitality that was once unimaginable.
The infrastructure was thoughtfully designed—there were escalators, accessible transportation, and buses specially adapted for differently-abled athletes. It wasn’t just about sports; we wanted them to experience India’s rich culture. Special cultural programs were organized, and in a beautiful gesture, the closing ceremony was integrated with India’s festival of colors—Holi, making it an unforgettable experience.
However, if there was one thing missing, it was the crowd. We wished for full stands, for an audience that could witness the sheer grit and determination of these para-athletes. Watching them perform is not just inspiring—it’s life-changing. An audience wouldn’t just cheer them on; it would give these athletes the recognition, respect, and encouragement they truly deserve.
India is on its way to becoming a global powerhouse in para-sports, but we need to ensure that these athletes are celebrated, supported, and given the stage they have fought so hard to earn.
Q: Any inspiring stories that you witnessed at the event
Raadhika Khetarpal: Oh, there were so many incredible stories! But one that truly stood out was that of Pushpendra Yadav.
Pushpendra comes from a humble background—his father is a farmer, and life has never been easy for him. Born with a disability in his leg, he faced immense challenges growing up. Initially, he started playing para-cricket, but destiny had bigger plans for him. Today, he is a gold medalist in para-javelin, competing in the F64 category, the same classification as Sumit Antil—India’s para-javelin superstar who has won two Paralympic gold medals and two World Championship golds.
When Pushpendra first stepped into sports, he was shy and hesitant, struggling even to express himself. But sports transformed him. Five years later, he’s a confident, ambitious, and energetic young man. When he walks up to me now, I see the fire in his eyes—the hunger to achieve more, to push beyond limits. His journey is proof that with the right guidance and support, dreams can turn into reality. If one athlete’s transformation can inspire five more, I believe we are creating a powerful ripple effect.
Another significant moment was witnessing the presence of Vanessa Low, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist from Australia and a legend in para-athletics. She came to India to study the field conditions, track layouts, and the level of competition she will be facing in the upcoming international tournaments, including the Paris Paralympics in September.
It was a proud moment to see global champions like Vanessa acknowledging India’s rising stature in para-sports. It reinforces the fact that India is no longer just participating; we are setting the benchmark for excellence in para-athletics.
Q: Supporting para-athletes isn’t very lucrative, especially in India. But you have been supporting them for a long time. Why?
Raadhika Khetarpal: It’s interesting that you ask because, when I reflect on my journey, I feel life has been incredibly kind to me. It has given me exposure across media, entertainment, and brand building, allowing me to shape and launch numerous international IPs over the past 15 years. I’ve had the privilege of working on globally renowned projects like Directing a Multi-starer sports series, Producing and Acting for mainstream cinema, MasterChef Australia franchise launch in India and collaborating with Michelin-starred chefs, India Fashion Week, Indian Art Fair, And so many more which exposed me to the power of storytelling and brand creation on an international scale.
But beyond professional success, my heart has always been drawn toward something deeper. I come from a strong spiritual background—I spent eight years in Vrindavan, immersed in an environment where I witnessed selfless giving and deep human connections. Additionally, I also received the opportunity to publish my mother’s spiritual journey revolving around gratitude and daily miracles observed with an expanded heart called Make Space for Grace. The experience shaped my perspective, making me realize that success isn’t just about what you build, but who you uplift along the way.
That’s why my connection with the differently-abled sports community was not just a coincidence—it was destiny. Through my work in media, I had the opportunity to interview some of India’s most inspiring elite para-athletes for the show “Mission Made Possible,” which was broadcasted worldwide. It was during these conversations that I found my own answers—answers about purpose, resilience, and the power of human potential.
Inspired by this, I relaunched – Radiant Sports Management, a family legacy company that had been dormant for 25 years with 6 para sports driven intellectual properties along with the official signing and management of the Para Cricket World Cup. Now I move forward and have launched my own company, Big Connect, where I independently create intellectual properties designed to elevate the brand equity of para-athletes.
There is so much untapped potential in para-sports, and I believe the more visibility we create, the better the opportunities for these incredible athletes. My goal is simple: to tell their stories, to amplify their achievements, and to play my part in ensuring they get the recognition they deserve.
This isn’t just work for me—it’s a mission, a calling, and a commitment to making a real impact.
Q: From your experience, what can be done to improve the condition of Indian para-athletes?
Raadhika Khetarpal: There is a lot that can be done to improve the condition of Indian para-athletes. For example, we have only just begun acknowledging legends like Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, largely due to the recent film Chandu Champion. This should not be an exception—it should be the norm.
We need to start talking about para-athletes the way we talk about Virat Kohli or Neeraj Chopra. Their journeys, achievements, and struggles deserve just as much attention. If we begin tracking and engaging with para-sports events, media channels will take notice, broadcasters will start acquiring rights, and these events will finally get the visibility they deserve. This shift in coverage will lead to better sponsorships, increased fan engagement, and overall growth in the para-sports ecosystem.
Beyond media coverage, understanding the personal stories of para-athletes is just as important. These athletes have overcome extraordinary barriers, and their journeys can offer deep insights that extend beyond sports. They teach us about resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit.
One of the biggest changes we need is a shift in mindset. Often, when people see para-athletes, their first instinct is to sympathize—to say, “Oh, poor thing.”. But the moment we change that perspective and instead say, “Wow, that’s incredible. That’s inspiring.”, the entire narrative changes. And when the narrative changes, so does the way society uplifts these athletes. The more respect and recognition they receive, the better they perform.
So, the key is to be open to learning from them, to interact with them, and to ask them questions. They want to share their experiences, and through that exchange, we can create a more inclusive, respectful, and empowering environment for para-athletes in India
Q: To wrap up the interview, any message that you wish to send out to the stakeholders in para-sports?
Raadhika Khetarpal: The Para World Grand Prix has just concluded, and now, we are looking forward to the World Championships and the Khelo India Para Games. These events are incredible opportunities for us to truly engage with and understand our para-athletes.
And the best part? Anyone can attend! You can walk into these events for free—there’s no ticket, no cost. So don’t wait for a day when a Diljit Dosanjh or Shah Rukh Khan shows up to make it “exciting” enough for you to attend. Go now. Show up for the athletes. Build real relationships with them. Support them just by being there.
In fast-paced city life, we often become emotionally disconnected from real-life achievements. We get so caught up in material success that we undervalue resilience, perseverance, and the human spirit. But when you take the time to observe the lives of para-athletes, something shifts. Their journeys—full of struggles, triumphs, and sheer determination—have a way of reawakening something deeply personal. They remind us that healing isn’t just physical; it’s emotional, mental, and spiritual.
To all the brands and businesses out there, this is a crucial moment. With the rise of India’s startup culture, there is tremendous potential in associating with para-sports. These athletes resonate deeply with audiences across India, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where the majority of the population lives. The impact, visibility, and inspiration they bring to millions is unmatched.
It’s a fantastic time to collaborate and be part of this growing movement. I look forward to working with many of you to uplift the para-sports community and create lasting change.
Prakhar Sachdeo
The Sportz Planet Desk
