Charity founded by Indian philanthropist launches women in disability sport initiative

Path to Success, a leading charity founded by Indian philanthropist Anita Choudhrie, has launched a campaign to support women in disability sport.

Titled Path to Tokyo, the initiative will provide financial aid to women competing in disability sports such as Para-Equestrian Dressage, Para Powerlifting, Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Tennis.

The scholarship will cover coaching, training, travel costs and the purchase of specialized wheelchairs for women aiming to pursue their goal of representing the country in the 2020 Paralympic Games.

Disability sports have been gaining prominence since the 2012 London Paralympics, but the sad reality is that most para athletes remain underfunded, meaning they are either forced to give up on their dreams or find ways to fund their passion.

“In the years that Path to Success has supported athletes with disability, I have always been inspired by the skill, determination and positive attitude taken by those who we support," said Choudhrie. "Our mission is to secure the legacy of disability sport in the UK, and to inspire a new generation of British female Paralympic stars. If we can change the world of one person, then this campaign will be a success”

Para Powerlifter Louise Sugden and London Titans Wheelchair Basketball player Sophie Patterson will benefit from the Path to Tokyo campaign.

“The sponsorship that Path to Success has awarded me is a life-changing chance which will give me the opportunity to take my game to the next level," Patterson said. "It means that I will not have to cut corners to make ends meet and I can access everything that I need to become the player that I am capable of being. Next stop Tokyo!”

Path to Success was founded by Choudhrie in 2005 and the organisation has been working towards supporting disability and disability sports. It has already launched two fundraising charity wheelchair basketball tournaments at the Copper Box in the Olympic Park to raise funds for the sport.