Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan to fund Indian Paralympic hopefuls

Hrithik Roshan will also campaign the cause

Indian film icon Hrithik Roshan has decided to raise just over Rs 20 lakhs for four Indian para-athletes, who are set to participate in the 2016 Rio Paralympics. The actor took the decision, after reading about the infrastructural and financial problems they face as compared to their able-bodied counter parts.

The money is being directed towards swimmers Sharath Gayakwad, Niranjan Mukundan and power lifters Rajinder Singh Rahelu and Sakina Khatun.

A source close to Hrithik and Hindustan Times said, “After reading the reports, Hrithik got in touch with his friend, actor Kunal Kapoor, who runs a fund-raising organisation for athletes. Kunal put him in touch with the organisation that specifically helps raise funds for para-athletes.”

The money is set to be roped in through the sales of his apparel label, “Each athlete requires close to Rs 5 lakh for their training, travel, tournament expenses, physiotherapy, massage sessions, supplements, shoes and apparel. Hrithik will tie-up with other brands to raise a sum of over Rs 20 lakh in two months. The money will be used to fund these athletes for the 2016 Rio Paralympics.”

Hrithik will also invest time into the project with social media activities and interviews. He said, “Early in April, when I read reports about the treatment to para athletes at a sports meet, I was deeply saddened but empowered to make a change. That’s when my team and I decided to help them realise their dream through a crowd-funding initiative.”

He added, “We not only want to raise funds for their training, but also create awareness amongst corporates and the masses about supporting Indian para-athletes.”