Aditi Mutatkar and Mihira Khopkar: Women, Willpower & What Fuels the Journey
In Episode 4 of Beyond the Podium, former India No. 1 shuttler and CWG silver medallist Aditi Mutatkar joins leading sports nutritionist Mihira Khopkar for a no-filter conversation on breaking barriers, both on and off the court. From performance pressure to periods, this episode unpacks what women in sport really go through, and what keeps them going.
Aditi reflects on the tournament that transformed her career, where she beat her childhood idol, entered a Grand Prix final, and climbed from world rank 70 to top 30. “It taught me that sometimes, you don’t need coaches or a support team,”....she says. “You just need to back yourself.” That same self-belief now drives her work in the development sector, where she leads women’s initiatives at Simply Sport Foundation.
Meanwhile, Mihira, Lead Nutritionist at Reliance Foundation takes us behind the scenes of the Paris Olympics. From helping athletes customise their plates in the dining hall to decoding what sets elite performers apart, her insights offer a rare glimpse into the science of success. “They do the simple things really well - eat, sleep, train, recover….and they’re consistent about it,”….she says.
The duo also take on some of the most common and confusing fitness myths. Should athletes avoid rice? Does dark chocolate during periods actually help? Do vegetarians fall behind? Mihira clears the air with a mix of science and common sense and a reminder to stop fearing food. “If you really like something, have it without guilt. Just don’t eat the whole cake,”....she smiles.
But this episode isn’t just about sport. It’s also about self-awareness, resilience, and taking ownership of your journey. “Success is intrinsic,” says Mihira….“Extrinsic support is there, but the will to perform has to come from within.” And what ties both journeys together is one core belief: resilience is internal. “You don’t need coaches and sports science teams sometimes,” Aditi adds….“You just need yourself.”
Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or someone navigating the noisy world of wellness, this episode is honest, insightful, and unmissable.
Tap here to watch the full Episode.
Your Comments