The resounding success of Indian para-athletes at the first-ever World Para Athletics Grand Prix held in India is more than a sporting milestone—it’s a powerful reminder that support and care are not just gestures of goodwill, but real enablers of excellence.

Held at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium from March 11–13, the Grand Prix was a landmark event. For the first time, India hosted an international para-athletics event of this scale, welcoming athletes from across the globe. India didn’t just participate—it led from the front, finishing at the top of the medal tally with a total of 134 medals, including 45 gold, 40 silver, and 49 bronze.

But beyond the medal count, there was a deeper story. One of inclusion, resilience, and the remarkable things people can achieve when provided with the right environment. And that’s a lesson that extends far beyond the track—to our offices, workplaces, and leadership cultures. The success of para-athletes is not new — they made history with their remarkable performance at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Performance Built on Support

Athletes like Preethi Pal, Bhavani Munniyandi, Fatima, Suman Bala, and Asha Jalandar didn’t just win medals—they showcased what’s possible when talent is met with trust and consistent support. Preethi, a double Paralympic medalist, clinched bronze in the women’s 200m T35–T38 event. Bhavani earned a bronze in the women’s long jump T38/T44/T61 with a leap of 3.51m.

India even swept the podium in the men’s shot put F11–F20 category, with Sagar winning gold, Janka Singh silver, and Balaji Rajendran taking bronze. These victories didn’t happen in isolation—they were backed by coaches, medical support, community, and belief. That infrastructure of care is what made the difference.

India has been offering financial assistance for training and competitions, access to top-tier facilities, and support through programs like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Khelo India to para-athletes. The Sports Ministry did not hesitate to increase its expenditure by almost three times to Rs 74 crore for the Paris edition, compared to Rs 26 crore after the success of the Tokyo Paralympics 2020.

The government also organised the first Khelo India Para Games (KIPG) in 2023 in Delhi. The event hosted around 1,500 Para athletes from across the country. The event was aimed to extend its impact by identifying and supporting talented para-athletes.

It shows how developing human capital, crafting robust learning strategies, and fostering a supportive environment are now pivotal for every organisations and HR leaders have a vital role to play.

In many ways, this mirrors what we see in high-performing organisations. When employees are empowered through understanding, flexibility, and psychological safety, they are more likely to deliver exceptional results. Support isn't a “perk”—it’s a performance strategy.

Care as Culture

Close to 150 Indian para-athletes competed across 90 medal events, and their performances lit up the stadium. Yet, what resonated even more was the sense of unity and pride. Many of these athletes have trained under difficult conditions, but when given access to proper platforms, encouragement, and trust, they delivered on the global stage.

It’s time we recognise that the emotional and structural support we offer at work is the modern-day equivalent of coaching, training, and care in sports. Workplaces that embrace this philosophy tend to see stronger performance, higher retention, and healthier teams.

Spotify, for instance, introduced a global six-month parental leave policy to all employees—irrespective of gender or family structure—under its #LeadOnLeave initiative. The result? Better tenure, better morale, and a culture of care that drives performance. The same principles are at play here.

A Blueprint for the Workplace

The Grand Prix also stood out for its inclusive spirit. The participation of global stars like Vanessa Low, alongside young Indian para-athletes, created a powerful message: inclusion drives excellence. It wasn’t just a competition—it was a celebration of ability, potential, and support systems that enable both.

In the workplace, leaders often look for ways to boost productivity, engagement, and innovation. The answer often lies in simple but powerful actions—listening, caring, and building infrastructure that supports employees holistically.

Whether it’s introducing flexible work arrangements, mental health support, inclusive leave policies, or simply creating a culture where people feel seen and heard—these are the support systems that translate to gold-medal moments in business.

As India celebrates this proud moment in sport, there’s a bigger takeaway for all of us: when we invest in our people—not just with benefits, but with belief—we unlock their highest potential. Whether it’s on the track or in the boardroom, support is no longer an accessory. It is the new reward.

The article was first published in People Matters LinkedIn newsletter Perspective.