Ashok Rathod

About Me

At just 18 age, I began running the OSCAR Foundation with one simple belief that sports have the power to change lives. Over the years, I have seen this belief come true in the most inspiring ways. I’ve watched children break free from addiction, stay in school and proudly complete their education. I’ve seen girls who once had no voice become strong, resilient leaders, mobilising thousands more girls in their own communities to dream bigger.
Over the past 15 years, we have positively impacted the lives of more than 35,000 children and youth across India. Running this marathon is my way of raising awareness and support so that more children can continue their education, unlock opportunities, and become leaders of change.

Appeal

I am running the 10km Mumbai Marathon for the OSCAR Foundation because I have witnessed firsthand the struggles children and youth face in Mumbai’s low-income communities, like addiction, school dropouts, child marriage and the constant trap of poverty. To break this poverty cycle, I began teaching football with a simple rule: “No school, no football.” What started with a ball and a dream has grown into OSCAR Football, where today 100% of our children attend school and 41% of participants are girls.

Over the years, OSCAR children have gone on to play for ISL Football clubs, the national bank Football team, corporate sports teams, state-level and even the Indian national team. More than 160 children have travelled internationally to represent India in competitions. Beyond the field, many of our young people have become role models in their communities, serving as police officers, the army, accountants, fitness trainers, MBAs and more.

For me, football has never just been a game, it has been a tool of transformation, a way to fight poverty and a path to hope. That is why I am running the 10km Mumbai Marathon for OSCAR Foundation. Every step I take is for the children who deserve the chance to learn, play and lead.

If you believe, like I do, in the power of sport to change society, I invite you to support my run. Your donation will motivate me to cross the finish line and more importantly, will help countless children complete their education, build life skills and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Together, we can turn dreams into reality.

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