The Olympian who became an Ola cab driver

What was supposed to be a mundane routine cab ride in Mumbai took Aaryan Singh Kushwah, an entrepreneur, by surprise when he discovered his Ola driver, Parag Patil, was once an international athlete.

Patil, a former Olympian, has represented India internationally and bought home 2 golds, 11 silvers and 3 bronze medals.

In a post on X, Kushwah wrote: ‘2nd in Asia in the triple jump. 3rd in Asia in the long jump. Each time he has represented India internationally, he has never returned without a medal. 2 golds, 11 silvers, 3 bronze.’

He claimed his post wasn’t just a revelation but a call to action.

Emphasising Patil’s financial struggles, he wrote, ‘He has no sponsors and just enough funds to feed his family, let alone pursue his athletic career. This post is a call to action for anyone who can help sponsor Paras to represent and win for India internationally.’

This post spotlights the many challenges Indian athletes face. India, dominated by the overpouring and unconditional love for men's cricket, sidelines women's cricket and every other sport.

Patil, a victim of this bias, last posted on X in 2019. He wrote, ’While I have the honour of winning 12 medals for India at the senior athletic games, . I'm passionate about sport and dream of bringing glory to India at the Australian Master Games where I am going for 5 medals!’

He also asked for financial aid of Rs. 2,00,000 ‘to cover the price of air tickets, nutrition and lodging. I need to book my tickets on 29 September in order to reach. Your contribution can help me raise the funds and bring back medals and honour for India.’ 

Kushwah’s post resulted in varied reactions from netizens in the comments section. One of them wrote, ‘Petty politics is the reason.’

Another blamed the Indian government and wrote, ‘In our country, the government doesn’t care.’

One user added, ‘This story is a harsh reminder of why India struggles to produce Olympic medals. Athletes like Parag Patil, despite their talent and achievements, face poor funding, lack of recognition, and zero long-term support.’

Not many, surprisingly, wondered why his employer Ola would not consider corporate sponsorship for their employee — because surely it would make great press, at least?

How many athelets have we failed as a nation, though? And why do we keep failing them?