Age is just a number. Radhika Ojha proved that with her initiatives for inclusive and adaptive sports. At a tender age, she was moved by her classmate’s plight, who couldn’t participate in sports and would sit outside with utter disappointment. Only in her 9th standard, she tried to encourage her friend and tap into his confidence, which was declining. She could be an empath or just a child who chose to speak her mind and not act her age, just because she was a child.
The world came to know about Radhika Ojha, a pupil at Noida’s Shiv Nadar School, when she won the National Sports Excellence Trailblazer Award 2025 for her impressive work in inclusive and adaptive sports.
We got to speak to her about her journey so far and what led her to where she is. The conversation unfolded with great insights and was inspiring, to say the least.
AED: At just 16 years of age, you’ve made a national impact in inclusive sports. What inspired you to begin this journey so early in life?
Radhika: To be honest, I never really saw age as a barrier. Even when I was 13, I felt this inner sense of responsibility — maybe because of how I was raised, or the people I had around me: supportive teachers, grounded friends, and a family that believed in emotional maturity over numbers. I never thought, “I’m just a kid.” I always thought, “If I can see something wrong, maybe I can help make it right.”
This journey began in 9th grade when I noticed a classmate who didn’t have a visible disability but found it really hard to participate in sports. He’d sit out every game, convinced he didn’t belong on the field. One day, I just sat with him—not as a leader or advocate, but as a friend—and told him, “You’re stronger than you think.”
He didn’t go on to win a national medal or anything. But he started showing up for practice. He joined matches. He laughed, played, and felt seen. That small moment changed something in me. It showed me the kind of power simple belief and inclusion can hold.
That’s where it all started—not from a grand vision, but from a conversation, from watching someone reclaim their confidence. And I thought, if even the tiniest part of what I did helped him take that step, maybe I can do the same for others.
And that became my ‘why.’
AED: Was there a defining moment that made you realize the importance of adaptive sports in India?
Radhika: Yes. It was that same boy. What struck me wasn’t his lack of ability—it was his lack of belief. All he really needed was someone to say, “You belong here.” That interaction was unplanned and unpolished, but powerful. I saw that there are so many kids out there with potential, waiting to be seen — not as problems to fix, but as people to support. That moment taught me that adaptive sports aren’t just about inclusion; they’re about dignity. I didn’t start this journey for applause or awards. I started because I saw someone light up with possibility, and I knew I wanted to help more people feel that way.
AED: In your view, what are the biggest misconceptions society holds about differently-abled athletes, and how can we address them?
Radhika: One of the harshest truths I’ve observed—both in history and in daily life—is that society often sidelines those it sees as “less than.” Disability is wrongly seen as a weakness, simply because it’s visible. But here’s the thing: we all carry limitations—emotional, behavioral, mental. It’s just that some are more obvious than others. Differently abled athletes are often judged for what they lack, rather than being celebrated for the resilience and strength they carry. To change this, we need honest, everyday conversations. We need to teach children that inclusion is not charity—it’s humanity. One small mindset shift can lead to massive cultural change.
AED: What specific policy or institutional changes would you like to see implemented to support adaptive sports across schools and communities in India?
Radhika: There are policies in place, and I do believe the government is trying. But policies only go so far if societal perception doesn’t evolve. Inclusion doesn’t begin in policy papers—it begins in playgrounds, in classrooms, in mindsets. While I’m still learning and don’t claim to be a policymaker, I believe we need stronger enforcement, better infrastructure, and a louder societal push toward acceptance. But more than that, we need empathy. Change doesn’t only come top-down—it comes from all of us, together.
AED: How do you ensure that your advocacy work remains community-centered and driven by the real needs of those you support?
Radhika: Sometimes, simply listening is the first step to real change. I try to stay grounded by having conversations — with athletes, with parents, with teachers, on as many platforms as I can. It’s not about giving a voice to the voiceless; it’s about handing them the mic and stepping back. Platforms like yours help amplify that message. My work is never just mine—it’s shaped by the stories I carry with me.
AED: You’ve been balancing academics, advocacy, and innovation. What does leadership mean to you at this age, and how do you manage your time and mental well-being?
Radhika: Leadership, for me, isn’t about titles or being followed—it’s about doing what feels right and doing it consistently. I’ve never chased popularity or perfection. I’m actually a very grounded person—I meditate regularly, keep a small circle of close friends, and stay rooted in simplicity. When your ‘why’ is strong, it becomes easier to say no to distractions. I see myself not as a leader, but as a learner. And if, along the way, my actions inspire someone else to care — then maybe that’s leadership too.
AED: If you were to mentor young changemakers like yourself, what key lessons would you share from your journey so far?
Response: Think deeply. Act intentionally. And never expect applause. The most meaningful change happens quietly. If you’re doing the right thing, that’s its own reward. Don’t wait for a stage or spotlight—start where you are, with what you have.
AED: Your work spans social innovation and advocacy, but you also have a passion for astronomy and science. Do you see any parallels between scientific exploration and social change?
Radhika: Yes, I see a deep and beautiful connection between the two. Astronomy is about discovery—not just looking up at the stars, but helping future generations unlock what we couldn’t before. It’s a journey of curiosity, persistence, and hope. And in many ways, social change is exactly the same. You don’t always see the impact immediately, but you work so that someone else—maybe years from now—will live in a world that's better, more inclusive, and more just.
Both science and social impact are about challenging limits, asking questions, and daring to believe in a future that hasn’t yet been written. Whether you're uncovering a new galaxy or helping someone feel seen and included in sports, you’re lighting the path forward. To me, that’s what defines true change—not doing it for applause, but to make sure the next person walks further than we ever could.
AED: Imagine it’s 2030, and inclusive sports are fully integrated into India’s sporting ecosystem. What role do you hope you’ve played in making that vision a reality?
Radhika: I hope I was one of the many quiet catalysts in that movement. I don’t want to claim sole credit—this is not a one-person job. If I’ve helped even a few people believe they belong on the field, then I’ve played my part. Change isn’t a destination—it’s a relay. We pass the baton forward, and we keep running.
AED: What has been your most meaningful moment in this journey so far – one that reminded you why this work matters?
Radhika: There have been many beautiful moments, but one stands out above the rest. It was seeing the pure happiness on the faces of people who never imagined they’d be included in sports, who had grown used to being told they weren’t made for it, that the field wasn’t meant for them. Watching them play, laugh, and feel like they belonged—that was everything. These are individuals who were once invisible in this space. I won’t name them, because their stories are deeply personal. But to me, they are heroes. Seeing their confidence grow, seeing them light up with joy and purpose—that reminded me why this journey began. Inclusion isn’t a policy. It’s that smile when someone realizes, “I can do this too.” That moment—that feeling—will stay with me forever.
AED: If you could deliver one message to every school and sports institution in the country, what would it be?
Radhika: Stop chasing “number one.” Start chasing equity. In my experience, many institutions prioritize excellence over empathy. But true excellence includes everyone. Don’t just pick the best—build the best in everyone. Inclusion doesn’t lower standards; it raises humanity.