Raadhika Khetarpal, Co-founder of Radiant Sports writes on invitation and exclusively for our special series BRIEF24.
Learnings and achievements from 2023; Inspiration for 2024
Success stories from 2023: Radiant Sports Management accomplished much in 2023, not just of athletic victories, but of amplifying the voices of the community of people with disabilities. It was a year of unexpected opportunities seized.
The seeds were sown in the first half with ‘MISSION MADE POSSIBLE’, that telecasted on Sony Ten Sports and Sony LIV for a year. Expanding beyond the first season’s focus on para-athletics, we embraced a wider spectrum of sports, engaging with blind cricketers, para-shooters, senior administration and coaches. This season, set for release in 2024.
But our vision stretched beyond seasons and screens. Acknowledging the influence of media, we launched ‘Voice of Differently Abled,’ an Instagram platform dedicated to sharing unheard stories of para athletes.
Radiant Sports Management, managed to get testimonies of support from Neeraj Chopra for the Para athletes in javelin such as Sumit Antil, Sumit Gurjar, Pushpendra, and others, who consistently dominate international events and also dismantling barriers and challenging perceptions.
In addition to offering visibility, this platform was used to organise competitions and garner support from well-known people, such as Indian cricket player Ishan Kishan.
Around Independence Day, our ‘Toh Aap Kyu Nahi’ campaign brought together luminaries from various industries to celebrate the history of differently-abled sport and empowerment.
The campaign aimed to give an intel to the general audience to think about the positives that we have and be grateful and be in the victorious mindspace ever possible. This digital campaign resonated deeply, carving a space for empathy and understanding.
Recognizing a unique opportunity during the World Cup, we bridged the gap between differently-abled and able-bodied cricket, hosting the ‘Radiant Sports Picks World Cup Edition.’ We identified the four distinct forms of differently abled cricket, physically challenged, blind, wheelchair, and deaf and dumb, with international representation.
This 40-day programme, which included 35 episodes on YouTube, brought together cricket legends like MSK Prasad and Shishir Hattangadi to engage with players who have disabilities in order to promote mutual understanding.
Even Indian women’s team members like Babita Negi, Lallita Sharma and many more participated, promoting cross-form dialogue and shattering preconceived notions about differently abled cricket.
The year culminated in a mega-hit award show, uniting 20 differently abled sports federations under one roof, an unprecedented feat in the sporting world. The ceremony had a strong message of inclusivity, with Ashok Dhyan Chand contributing his voice.
Looking back at 2023, Radiant Sports remains committed to growth, inclusivity. We are etched in the smiles of empowered athletes, the bridges built between communities, and the voices that were finally heard. As Radiant steps into 2024, one thing is certain, their commitment to creating a world where differently abled athletes shine not just on the field, but in the hearts and minds of everyone.
Learnings and realizations from 2023: Reading and learning about the differently abled community has made an extreme impact, for not just myself but for every individual within our company. We now have a deeper feeling of humility, bringing us closer to the stark realities faced by the differently-abled. It has sparked a change in our work culture that has made the workplace more caring and less competitive.
It has been eye-opening to learn that there are 2.2 million people with disabilities in India. Their stories have ignited a passion in us. We have discovered that the grassroot level is still unaware of the opportunities and the facilities available for the differently abled communities to come out and become economically independent.
Additionally, all the tournaments that are taking place right now are at the world level to explore and discover. Simultaneously, our commitment to amplifying voices within the community has deepened, recognizing the need to understand and address the challenges faced by athletes, coaches, and administrators alike. The journey has just begun, and with every step, we get closer to a world where inclusivity isn’t just a word, but a song sung by every beating heart.
2023 highlights and takeaways: 2023 was a harmonious blend of inspiring goals and humble experiences. Meetings with Anurag Thakur, the minister of sports, and President Pratibha Patil, as well as listening to Smriti Irani, have given me a thorough grasp of the worlds of policy and sports, as well as the successes and challenges faced by the community of people with disabilities.
This journey has involved more than just climbing ladders, in addition, I feel personally life has been very humbling, a sense of contentment that has come in and that translates into a lot of professional activities.
This association transformed me, and kindled a passion for finding solutions within me. Every challenge turned into a learning opportunity and a chance to impact something beyond myself. Observing how our efforts affected people’s lives and strengthened communities. Yet, challenges remain like identifying potential sponsors, wanting them to invest in a cause.
Additionally, there is a lot of infrastructure that is inadequate for the needs of communities with disabilities, and organising it is a challenge. These include basic things like lifts, walkways, and medical vans.
Receiving a lot of support from Padmashree, Dronacharya, Arjun award winners athletes just lending their voices, emphasising the importance of our cause to the public and officials alike.
As we navigate hurdles, the journey is marked by both trials and triumphs. This year has been a profound learning experience, and with the anticipation of the upcoming year, which kicks off with the launch of ‘MISSION MADE POSSIBLE’ and several significant announcements. I look forward to carrying out our goal of improving lives and encouraging inclusive sports for people with disabilities.