Breaking barriers: Radhika Ojha honoured for championing inclusive sports

NEW DELHI: Radhika Ojha, a student of Noida's Shiv Nadar School, has been awarded the prestigious National Sports Excellence Community Trailblazer Award 2025 for her work in inclusive and adaptive sports.The award recognises changemakers who have led community-based initiatives that break barriers and empower the underserved.“This award is for those who are often overlooked - differently-abled athletes who deserve the same platform and encouragement as any other sportsperson,” said Radhika after receiving the honour from the STAIRS Foundation.Radhika’s work over the past 3–4 years has focused on promoting adaptive sports and supporting differently-abled athletes with access to resources, emotional support, and recognition. She challenges the assumption that disability equates to inability.“Our society needs to stop treating sports for the differently-abled as something unusual. It should be common—just like any other sport,” she asserted.Drawing inspiration from the Olympic ideals of fairness and opportunity, Radhika envisions an India where every young athlete can pursue their dreams—regardless of ability.One of her notable projects is Project Raahat, which provides sustainable, accessible, and humane architectural solutions for underprivileged communities. The project aligns with her inclusive philosophy by ensuring that infrastructure respects dignity and accessibility for all, including the differently-abled.“This award is not just a personal milestone—it's a reminder that real change begins at the grassroots level. If we can remove infrastructural and social barriers, everyone can thrive,” she said.“I want to see a future where inclusivity isn’t an exception, it’s the standard. Where every young person, regardless of ability, feels seen, supported, and celebrated,” she added.