Every champion deserves an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of physical ability. As India's para athletes continue to script inspiring success stories on the global stage, the need to build an inclusive sporting ecosystem, one that combines accessible infrastructure, professional coaching, technology, and long-term corporate support, has never been more important. Investing in para sports is no longer just about sporting excellence; it is about empowering individuals, promoting dignity, and creating a society where talent triumphs over limitations.
Recognising this need, BL Agro has made para sports a significant pillar of its CSR journey by developing a comprehensive support ecosystem that goes beyond financial assistance. From establishing a dedicated training and residential facility in Ghaziabad to providing world-class coaching, nutrition, sports science, assistive technologies, and mental well-being support, the company is helping talented para athletes prepare for national and international success. Through its continued efforts, BL Agro is not only nurturing sporting excellence but also advancing inclusion, equality, and social empowerment.
In this exclusive email interview with TheCSRUniverse, Mr. Ashish Khandelwal, Managing Director, BL Agro and President, U.P. Para Sports Association, shares the vision behind the company's long-term commitment to para sports, the evolution of India's para sports ecosystem, and the importance of collaborative partnerships between corporates, government, federations, and civil society. He also discusses athlete success stories, the role of ESG and inclusive sports, and his vision for creating a sustainable, world-class para sports ecosystem that enables every athlete to realise their full potential.
Scroll down to read the full interview.
Q. What inspired BL Agro to invest in para sports as a long-term CSR focus, and why do you believe this area deserves greater attention from India's corporate sector?
A. At BL Agro, we believe that Corporate Social Responsibility is not merely a statutory obligation—it is an opportunity to create meaningful and lasting social impact. Para athletes possess extraordinary talent, determination, and resilience. However, many of them continue to face challenges such as limited access to quality infrastructure, professional coaching, and financial support.
Their inspiring journeys motivated us to make para sports a long-term pillar of our CSR initiatives. Supporting para sports is not only about winning medals; it is about promoting inclusion, equality, and empowerment. When corporations invest in para athletes, they help build confidence among millions of persons with disabilities and reinforce the belief that physical limitations should never define a person's dreams or potential.
Q. Could you share the vision behind establishing the dedicated training and residential facility for para athletes in Ghaziabad, and how it is helping athletes prepare for national and international competitions?
A. The vision behind establishing the dedicated training and residential facility in Ghaziabad was to provide world-class facilities under one roof. Many talented athletes, especially those from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, struggle to access quality accommodation, nutrition, and professional training.
Our facility offers a fully accessible, barrier-free environment where athletes can focus entirely on their performance without worrying about basic necessities. Equipped with modern training infrastructure, gymnasium, residential facilities, and athlete support services, the centre enables them to prepare according to international standards. It has become a game-changer in enhancing their confidence, performance, and readiness for national and international competitions.
Q. Beyond financial assistance, what kind of support ecosystem—including coaching, infrastructure, nutrition, equipment, sports science, or mental well-being—has BL Agro developed to enable holistic athlete development?
A. At BL Agro, we believe that developing champions requires much more than financial assistance. It requires a comprehensive ecosystem that supports every aspect of an athlete's journey.
Our holistic approach includes:
- Professional coaching under experienced and certified coaches.
- Modern sports infrastructure and high-performance training facilities.
- Personalized nutrition and scientifically designed diet plans based on each athlete's individual needs.
- Access to international-standard sports equipment and assistive technologies, including customized sporting equipment wherever required.
- Mental wellness support through counselling, motivation sessions, and psychological guidance to help athletes perform confidently under pressure.
Our objective is to ensure that every athlete receives complete support—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Q. Despite India's growing success in international para sports, many talented athletes still struggle to access quality training and opportunities. What are the biggest structural gaps that need urgent attention?
A. Although India has achieved remarkable success in international para sports, several structural challenges still require urgent attention.
First, there is a significant shortage of accessible sports infrastructure. Many stadiums and sports complexes are not designed to meet the needs of persons with disabilities.
Second, grassroots talent identification remains limited. We need stronger scouting and development programmes at the district and block levels to discover talented athletes from rural areas.
Finally, there is a shortage of qualified coaches and technical experts who understand para sports classifications and competition standards. Addressing these challenges will be essential for establishing India as a global leader in para sports.
Q. As President of the U.P. Para athletes Association, how have you seen the para sports ecosystem evolve over the past few years, and what role has industry participation played in this transformation?
A. As President of the U.P Para Athletes Association, I have witnessed a remarkable transformation in the para sports ecosystem over the past few years. Earlier, para sports were often viewed through the lens of sympathy. Today, they are increasingly recognised for excellence, professionalism, and sporting achievement.
Corporate participation has played a crucial role in this transformation. Organizations such as BL Agro have not only provided financial support but have also introduced professional management, modern infrastructure, and long-term sustainability.
We have significantly improved competition management by organizing events at world-class venues with fully accessible facilities. Athletes now receive high-quality accommodation, nutritious meals, and professional support throughout competitions.
In addition, we have introduced advanced digital timing systems and laser distance measuring equipment during state championships, ensuring accurate and transparent performance evaluation. These technological advancements help athletes benchmark their performances against international standards and prepare more effectively for national and global competitions.
Q. How does BL Agro measure the long-term impact of its investment in para sports, both in terms of sporting excellence and the social and economic empowerment of differently abled athletes?
A. For us, success is measured not only by medals but also by the positive transformation in athletes' lives.
From a sporting perspective, we evaluate how many athletes progress from state-level competitions to national and international championships, and how consistently their performances improve.
From a social and economic perspective, our greatest achievement is seeing athletes become self-reliant, secure employment through sports, support their families, and emerge as role models in society. When an athlete is recognized for talent rather than disability, that represents the true return on our investment.
Q. In your view, what role can partnerships between corporates, governments, sports federations, and civil society organisations play in building a more inclusive and sustainable sporting ecosystem in India?
A. A strong and sustainable sports ecosystem can only be built through collaboration.
The Government provides policy support, infrastructure, and institutional recognition.
Sports federations contribute technical expertise, athlete development pathways, and competition management.
Civil society organizations help identify grassroots talent and create awareness among communities.
Corporate organizations bring long-term investment, innovation, professional management, sports science, and sustainability.
When these four stakeholders work together, they create an inclusive ecosystem that enables every talented para athlete to reach their full potential.
Q. Could you share a few inspiring stories of para athletes whose lives have been transformed through this initiative, and what those journeys have taught you about resilience and inclusion?
A. We have had the privilege of supporting and witnessing the inspiring journeys of several outstanding para athletes from Uttar Pradesh.
Simran Sharma overcame visual impairment and numerous personal challenges to win a Bronze Medal in the Women's T12 200 metres at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and later became a World Champion. Her journey reflects extraordinary determination and resilience.
Preeti Pal created history by winning two Bronze Medals in the Women's T35 100m and 200m events at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Her achievements demonstrate how perseverance and the right support system can overcome every obstacle.
Praveen Kumar, despite a leg impairment, won a Silver Medal at the Tokyo Paralympic Games and later secured the Gold Medal in the Men's T64 High Jump at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. His success inspires countless young athletes to believe that determination is stronger than adversity.
These athletes have taught us that disability is never a limitation. True strength lies in resilience, commitment, and opportunity. Inclusion means creating equal access to world-class infrastructure, technology, coaching, and opportunities so that talent can flourish without barriers.
Q. Inclusive sports are increasingly becoming an important part of ESG and purpose-led business. How do you see initiatives like this contributing to a company's broader sustainability and social impact agenda?
A. Inclusive sports align directly with the Social dimension of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and advance the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
At BL Agro, we see para sports as a purpose-driven investment that contributes to meaningful social change. Our initiatives support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).
By empowering para athletes, we strengthen our commitment to responsible business practices while building a brand that is socially conscious, inclusive, and committed to creating long-term value for society.
Q. What is your long-term vision for strengthening the para sports ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh and India, and how do you hope BL Agro's model can inspire greater corporate participation in inclusive sports?
A. My long-term vision is to establish Uttar Pradesh as India's leading hub for para sports, where no talented athlete is prevented from achieving success due to a lack of resources or opportunities.
We aim to expand grassroots training centres across the state, improve access to professional coaching, and create sustainable pathways for athlete development from the grassroots to the international stage.
I hope BL Agro's model serves as a national blueprint for corporate engagement in sports. Our approach goes beyond financial support by building a complete ecosystem that integrates infrastructure, coaching, nutrition, technology, sports science, and mental well-being.
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