At just 21, Rishit Nathwani has turned a life-altering injury into an inspiring story of perseverance and victory. His gold medal triumph in the men’s Class 5 category at the Khelo India Para Games 2025 is not just a personal milestone but a beacon of hope for para-athletes across India.
Nathwani’s journey took an unexpected turn in 2017 when a casual game of kabaddi led to a severe spinal injury. “I hurt my back, causing internal bleeding, nerve damage, and a slight shift in my spine,” he recalls. The injury resulted in paralysis from the neck down, and doctors were doubtful about his recovery. However, Rishit and his family refused to give up.
Undergoing two months of intensive rehabilitation at Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai, Rishit slowly regained upper body movement. Initially, he dreamed of returning to professional cricket, but as his recovery progressed, his path took a different direction.
“After my injury, my first goal was full recovery and a comeback to cricket,” he explains. “Two years of physiotherapy helped me regain a lot, but my legs didn’t recover.”
His introduction to para table tennis was almost accidental. On a road trip with his mother, he met coach Ashok Pal, who saw his potential and encouraged him to train. “He told me I could win nationals if I played!” Rishit recalls.
In 2021, just two years after taking up the sport, he won silver at the national championships. His breakthrough moment came at the Khelo India Para Games 2025, where he defeated two experienced players—Raj Aravindan, who had beaten him in his first-ever final, and Abhishek Kumar, who had bested him in the group stage.
“Everyone congratulated me because I had beaten two top players on my way to gold. It was a proud moment,” says Rishit.
Now, his focus is on the international stage. With an eye on the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics, he plans to compete in at least six global tournaments annually to improve his ranking.
His journey wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of his mother, Vidhi Nathwani. “Doctors told us he might never leave his bed, let alone play sports,” she recalls. Watching him compete at a national level today fills her with pride.
Beyond his personal achievements, Rishit is also advocating for greater awareness of para sports. “Many people with disabilities don’t know about the sports they can participate in,” he says. “When they see these games on TV, they’ll realize they too can compete and excel.”
Rishit Nathwani’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and the power of an indomitable spirit. His journey proves that true champions are not defined by their challenges but by their ability to overcome them. As he continues to push his limits, he inspires countless others to do the same.