Chetan Korada, QNET India’s brand ambassador, is more than just a para-athlete. He is a trailblazer, someone who, despite facing physical challenges, has redefined what it means to be differently-abled in the world of motorsports. His story is a testament to the power of grit, passion, and unwavering support, especially from his mom and those closest to him.
In a recent interview, he spoke candidly about his life as a differently-abled person and his journey with racing.
Born to Race: Chetan’s Road to Racing
“I would break my prosthetic limbs after every football match,” Chetan recalls with a smile. His early years were filled with a love for sports, nurtured by a supportive school environment where he was never seen as different. Whether playing basketball or sprinting, Chetan’s indomitable spirit shone through early on, despite the challenges. “If you don’t try, that’s when the real disability shows,” he says, emphasising that the only limits that exist are the ones we place on ourselves.
But his true calling came when he found motorsports. Chetan’s entry into racing was not premeditated; it was, as he describes, “an adventure.” He didn’t start with dreams of becoming a racecar driver, but fate had other plans. In 2006, he had his first encounter with a Formula car during a track day in Chennai. “The cockpit felt like it was made for me. It was the most comfortable seat I had ever sat in, and after those five laps, I didn’t want to get out,” he recalls.
This is the moment that set him on a path that would see him make history as India’s first para-athlete to win a motor race. His achievements were not without their struggles. Motorsports is one of the most demanding sports, and was not an easy field to break into. “In such a sport, people expect you to look perfect, to have that six-pack athlete body,” Chetan says. But for him, it was always about pursuing a dream, and no obstacle would stand in his way.
Chetan’s first competitive race was in Formula Maruti, where his dedication paid off with early wins. “My first weekend was dramatic. I was competing against seasoned drivers, but I fought for every 1/10th of a second,” he says. This determination set the tone for his future races, as he fought against odds most would deem insurmountable.
QNET: A Constant Pillar of Support in Pursuit of His Dreams
QNET, a long-standing supporter, entered Chetan’s life in 2011 with a role that went beyond financial sponsorship. “They weren’t concerned about whether I would win the next race or bring them a big name. They were invested in my dream and believed in me. That emotional investment made all the difference,” he says.
From teaching him to drive a manual car to encouraging his bold ambitions, Chetan’s mother has also been instrumental in his journey. “If you see a differently-abled person out there winning a race, it started with a mother’s dream.”
His journey was also shaped by friendships, especially one with his schoolmate Feroz Khan, whose father was a famous rally driver. Feroz took Chetan to the racetrack for the first time, sparking the desire to pursue motorsports professionally. “He encouraged me at every step. It’s not every day you find a friend willing to share their passion and create opportunities for others, but he did just that.”
Setting His Sights on the Future
Reflecting on his career, Chetan remains humble but determined. “I haven’t pinched myself yet because I know there’s a lot more to achieve,” he says. His story is far from over, and his journey serves as an inspiration to millions. As Chetan so powerfully puts it, “You can be differently-abled, but you can’t be disabled.”
Looking ahead, Chetan’s focus remains on pushing his limits further. His deep gratitude for QNET, his family, and his friends fuels his drive to keep competing at the highest level. “There’s a lot more to accomplish, and I’m just getting started,” he says, eyes gleaming with the excitement of the challenges still to come.
Check out the full conversation with Connected to India: