KIPG 2025: Rishit Nathwani, the trailblazer who defied disability

New Delhi, March 27 (NationPress) In a remarkable display of human determination, 21-year-old Rishit Nathwani has turned a life-changing sports injury into an inspiring journey of victory. His recent achievement of a gold medal in the men's table tennis Class 5 event at the Khelo India Para Games 2025 stands as a testament not only to personal success but also as a source of hope for aspiring para-athletes throughout India.

Nathwani's life changed dramatically in 2017 during a casual kabaddi match. What began as a typical game resulted in a severe sports injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down. “I got hurt in my back,” Rishit recounted in an interview with SAI Media. “There was internal bleeding, which caused my nerves to 'break', and the spine moved a little. This resulted in paralysis from the neck down.”

The outlook was bleak. Medical professionals were doubtful about his recovery, suggesting he might never leave his bed. However, Rishit and his family refused to accept this grim prognosis.

After spending two months in intensive rehabilitation at Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai, Rishit Nathwani gradually regained movement in his upper body. His initial aspiration was to return to professional cricket, but as physiotherapy progressed, he discovered a different path. “After my injury, my first goal was to recover fully and get back to professional cricket,” he explained. “I underwent two years of physiotherapy and made significant progress, but my legs did not recover.”

Para table tennis entered Rishit's life almost serendipitously. During a road trip with his mother, they met his first coach, Ashok Pal, who was teaching para table tennis in a modest shop. Motivated by Pal’s faith in his potential, Rishit began his training.

“He told me that I could win the nationals if I played!” Rishit recalled. In 2021, at just 19, he secured a silver medal in his first national tournament, paving the way for future successes. He faced veteran Raj Aravindan in his first-ever final, and that same opponent was defeated in the semi-finals to reach the final match in his category.

Moreover, on his path to the gold medal at the Khelo India Para Games 2025, Rishit also triumphed over Abhishek Kumar, a player he had lost to in the group stages. Having overcome two seasoned competitors en route to the podium, Rishit stated, “Everyone was congratulating me because I had beaten two top TT players on the way to the gold. Everyone was very proud.”

Rishit’s ambitions extend beyond national competitions. His immediate objectives include enhancing his world ranking and qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. He is aware that this journey demands commitment and plans to compete in at least six international tournaments each year to sustain and elevate his ranking.

Rishit's success is underpinned by unwavering family support, particularly from his mother, Vidhi Nathwani. “When Rishit got injured, the doctors advised us to consider him leaving sports, saying he wouldn’t even be able to get out of bed,” she recalled. Now, witnessing her son compete at a national level fills her with immense pride.

Rishit and his mother are also advocates for para-sports awareness. They believe platforms like the Khelo India Para Games are vital in showcasing the capabilities of para-athletes and inspiring others with disabilities. “Many para individuals are unaware of the sports they can engage in,” Rishit explained. “When they see these games on TV, they will understand that they too can participate and excel.”

Rishit’s journey transcends a personal success story. It embodies a powerful narrative of transformation, resilience, and the incredible capacity of the human spirit to overcome challenges. His message is unequivocal: disability does not equate to inability, and with determination, support, and opportunity, one can redefine their limits.

As Rishit continues his training and competitions, he carries with him the aspirations of many, demonstrating that champions are not defined by their circumstances, but by their courage to rise above them.