As India sends a strong contingent of 84 athletes to the Paris Paralympics, the nation’s hopes are set high. In the Tokyo Paralympics of 2020, India made headlines with a record haul of 19 medals, including five golds, and ranked 24th globally. Now, the aim is even higher: more than 25 medals and double-digit golds. But behind the athletes are coaches whose dedication and sacrifice often go unnoticed. These unsung heroes work tirelessly to prepare athletes, often overcoming personal challenges and limited resources. Let’s take a closer look at three such inspiring figures.
Gaurav Khanna: Building Champions on a Loan
Gaurav Khanna, the head coach of the Indian Para Badminton team, is a man with a mission. Five years ago, he founded the Para Badminton Academy in Lucknow, taking a loan of Rs 2 crore to make his vision a reality. Despite receiving the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, Khanna is still paying off his bank loan. His journey into coaching began after a knee injury cut his own badminton career short in 1998.
At the Tokyo Paralympics, the athletes trained under Khanna’s guidance won four medals. This achievement was no fluke; it was the result of his relentless dedication and innovative coaching methods. Khanna’s academy now trains around 80 para-athletes, providing them with free training, equipment, and support. As the Paris Paralympics unfolds, Khanna’s dream is to see his athletes double the medal count from Tokyo, proving that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.
Shiv Prasad: A Cricket Coach Making a Difference
Shiv Prasad is another inspiring figure in Indian para-sports. The founder of the Divyang Mythri Sports Academy in 2016, Prasad has faced his share of challenges. After contracting polio at the age of two, he went on to represent India in wheelchair cricket and tennis, even playing alongside tennis legend Leander Paes. Last year, he was the vice-captain of the Indian wheelchair cricket team. Now retired, he focuses solely on his academy in Karnataka, providing training and support for disabled athletes.
The financial side of para-sports can be daunting. With little money in para-sports compared to the costs of equipment and travel, sponsorships are hard to come by. Prasad’s academy relies heavily on corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds, individual donations, and occasional grants from state governments. Despite knocking on the doors of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for support, Prasad has yet to receive any assistance. However, his dedication remains unwavering as he continues to nurture talent and provide opportunities for disabled athletes.
Aditya Mehta: Turning Adversity into Triumph
Aditya Mehta, a para-cyclist and mentor, has a story that is nothing short of remarkable. After losing a leg in a motorcycle accident in 2006, Mehta didn’t give up on life. Instead, he turned to cycling and faced the challenge of adapting to a prosthetic limb. Through perseverance, he became the first Indian para-cyclist to be listed in the Limca Book of Records for completing a 100 km ride in five and a half hours. He also won a silver medal at the Asian Cycling Championship.
In 2013, Mehta founded the Aditya Mehta Foundation in Hyderabad to support para-athletes in cycling and other sports. His foundation has helped many athletes compete in national and international events, winning medals at the Asian and World Championships. Mehta’s work extends beyond coaching; he actively works on developing better prosthetic limbs and adaptive equipment to help athletes perform at their best.
The Real Heroes
As the Paralympics begin in Paris, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on the athletes. However, it’s essential to recognize the coaches and mentors who have played a critical role in their journey. Individuals like Gaurav Khanna, Shiv Prasad, and Aditya Mehta are the real heroes who, despite facing their own challenges, dedicate their lives to empowering others. Their stories remind us that true success in sports is not just measured in medals but in the spirit of resilience, determination, and the will to inspire others.
