A routine Ola cab ride in Mumbai turned into an extraordinary encounter for entrepreneur Aaryan Singh Kushwah when he discovered his driver, Parag Patil, was a decorated former Olympian. Patil has earned two gold, 11 silver, and three bronze medals representing India at international athletic events, yet now drives cabs to support his family.
Kushwah shared the story in a LinkedIn post that quickly went viral, shedding light on the challenges faced by Indian athletes after their competitive careers. Accompanied by a photo of Patil and the cab, Kushwah wrote, “My Ola driver is an Olympian. Meet Parag Patil, Senior Olympian: 2nd in Asia in the Triple Jump. 3rd in Asia in the Long Jump. Every time he represented India internationally, he returned with a medal—2 golds, 11 silvers, 3 bronze. Yet, he has no sponsors and barely enough funds to support his family, let alone pursue his athletic career. This post is a call to action for anyone who can help sponsor Parag to represent and win for India internationally.”
The post sparked significant engagement, with users expressing both admiration and concern. Many highlighted the financial struggles Indian athletes face post-retirement. One user commented, “We have talent management agencies for influencers, but not for athletes. This is a huge untapped market.” Another added, “Our sports legends deserve better. As a nation, we need to step up.”
Patil’s story resonated with many, with calls to support and crowdfund his return to athletics gaining traction. Social media users rallied around the idea of offering financial assistance, hoping to give Patil another chance to compete on the global stage.
The incident underscores the need for greater institutional support for athletes beyond their competitive years. Despite bringing pride to the nation, many sportsmen and women struggle financially without consistent sponsorship or government aid.
Kushwah’s post serves as a reminder of the hidden stories within everyday encounters and the untapped potential of athletes like Patil, whose contributions to India’s sporting history deserve recognition and sustained support.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
