The 21-year-old Rishit Nathwani has turned a life-changing injury into a story of triumph. His recent gold medal in the men's Class 5 table tennis event at the Khelo India Para Games 2025 stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring para-athletes across the nation. (More Sports News)
Nathwani's life took an unexpected turn in 2017 during a casual kabaddi match. A severe back injury led to internal bleeding, causing nerve damage and a slight displacement of his spine, resulting in paralysis from the neck down. Doctors were skeptical about his recovery, suggesting he might remain bedridden. However, with unwavering determination and the support of his family, Rishit embarked on a rigorous rehabilitation journey.
After two months of intensive therapy at Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai, he began regaining movement in his upper body. Initially aiming to return to professional cricket, Rishit realized that his path in sports would need to change due to the limited recovery in his legs.
A chance encounter during a road trip introduced him to para table tennis. Meeting coach Ashok Pal, who recognized his potential, Rishit was encouraged to take up the sport. In 2021, at just 19, he secured a silver medal in his first national tournament, signaling the start of a promising career.
At the Khelo India Para Games 2025, Rishit's journey came full circle. He faced and defeated seasoned players, including Raj Aravindan in the semi-finals and Abhishek Kumar, whom he had previously lost to in the group stages. Reflecting on his victory, Rishit shared, "Everyone was congratulating me because I had beaten two top TT players on the way to the gold. Everyone was very proud."
Looking ahead, Rishit aims to improve his world ranking and qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. He plans to participate in at least six international tournaments annually to achieve this goal.
His success is deeply rooted in the unwavering support of his family, especially his mother, Vidhi Nathwani. She recalls the challenging times post-injury and expresses immense pride in her son's achievements.
Beyond his personal goals, Rishit advocates for greater awareness and participation in para sports. He believes that events like the Khelo India Para Games play a crucial role in highlighting the capabilities of para-athletes and inspiring others with disabilities to explore sports.
