Road to Olympics: A Story of Heroic Efforts Celebrating the Victories of India’s Paralympic Champions

13 th October 2024 – Raadhika Khetarpal and Aushim Khetarpal, from Shirdi Sai Baba Foundation, in its continued effort to support and celeb...

13^th October 2024 – Raadhika Khetarpal and Aushim Khetarpal, from Shirdi Sai Baba Foundation, in its continued effort to support and celebrate para-athletes through spiritual mentorship and increased visibility, proudly presented Road to Olympics: A Story of Heroic Efforts.

This prestigious event took place on October 13th, 2024, at The Claridges Hotel, New Delhi, starting at 2:15 PM. The event is part of the Foundation’s ongoing initiative Radiant In Quest of Gold, established in 2017 to empower para-athletes and foster their connection with devotees and influencers who live by the guiding principles of Shraddha (Faith) and Saburi (Patience). 

The event dshowcase in-depth discussions on the incredible journey of Indian para-athletes as they overcame tremendous obstacles on their path to success, culminating in their victories at the Paris Paralympics 2024. This event was not only a tribute to their triumphs but also an opportunity to share insights, stories of resilience, and the unwavering support of the Shirdi Sai Baba Foundation in their journeys.

This event featured some of India’s most distinguished para-athletes, including:

- Simran Sharma - Bronze Medallist, Paris Paralympics 2024  

- Yogesh Kathunia - Silver Medallist, Paris Paralympics 2024  

- Sundar Singh Gurjar - Bronze Medallist, Paris Paralympics 2024  

- Ashok Malik - Bronze Medallist, Asian Games 2022  

- Praveen Kumar - Gold Medallist, Paris Paralympics 2024  

- Rubina Francis - Bronze Medallist, Paris Paralympics 2024  

- Mariyappan Thangavelu - Bronze Medallist, Paris Paralympics 2024  

- Dharambir - Gold Medallist, Paris Paralympics 2024  

- Pranav Soorma - Silver Medallist, Paris Paralympics 2024  

- Gaurav Khanna - National Coach, Para Badminton India  

- Satya Narayana - Chairperson PCI, NCP Head  

- Aushim Khetarpal - Founder of Shirdi Sai Baba Foundation, Hon. President of India Recognised  

- Raadhika Khetarpal - Actor, Director, OTT Producer, President of Radiant Differently Abled Sports Awards  

This unique event  highlighted the continued efforts of the Shirdi Sai Baba Foundation in creating impactful platforms for para-athletes, such as the broadcast television shows We the Change and Morpheus Dare To Dream Mission Made Possible and celebratory events like the Radiant Differently Abled Sports and Cricket Awards. These initiatives have created immense visibility and advocacy for the differently-abled sports community since the foundation’s inception. 

Radiant in Quest of Gold has been dedicated to empowering para-athletes by offering spiritual mentorship, creating greater visibility, and fostering connections between athletes and influencers who embody the principles of Shraddha (Faith) and Saburi (Patience). The program has played a vital role in aiding athletes to perform at their peak, both mentally and physically.

Founder of the Shirdi Sai Baba Foundation, Aushim Khetarpal, expressed his pride in this initiative and its impact on the athletes' lives:
"Through Radiant in Quest of Gold, we have not only guided athletes towards victory but also towards inner peace and strength. Every journey to the Paralympics is a testament to the athletes' determination and resilience. We are honored to be part of their path, and proud to celebrate their success as a reflection of Sai Baba's teachings—patience, faith, and perseverance."

In addition to Radiant In Quest of Gold, the Shirdi Sai Baba Foundation supports a variety of noble causes, including:

1. Sai Prachaar – Spreading the teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba through books, audio, films, videos, and digital programs.

2. Kinnar Seva – Advocating for and providing employment opportunities to transgender individuals to stop roadside begging and build societal acceptance.

3. Gau Seva – Sheltering and caring for cows and animals that are abandoned or injured, especially those not providing milk.

4. Guidance and Healing through Clairvoyance – Offering spiritual guidance and answers through the clairvoyant abilities of Aushim Khetarpal.

As the Shirdi Sai Baba Foundation continues its mission to create an equal and empowered society, Radiant In Quest of Gold serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many para-athletes. This initiative not only supports them in their professional and spiritual development but also inspires countless others through their stories of perseverance and achievement.