The Ontario Sports Hall of Fame is proud to announce the four recipients of its 2026 Student-Athlete Scholarship: Rabbjyot Rajput, Mara Kahl, Ayden Smallwood, and Aishshani Rameshkumar.
These exceptional young athletes have demonstrated dedication and achievement in sport, academic excellence, and a strong commitment to their communities. From representing Canada on the international stage to leading their school teams and mentoring the next generation of athletes.
As they embark on their post-secondary journeys, the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame is honoured to support their continued growth and recognizes their potential to make a lasting impact both in sport and beyond.
Mara Kahl
A graduate of Confederation Secondary School in Greater Sudbury, Mara Kahl is a multi-sport athlete whose passion for volleyball has earned her a place on Cambrian College’s Women’s Volleyball Team as a libero. As captain of her high school volleyball team, she helped lead her teammates to two city championships, two NOSSA (Northern Ontario Secondary Schools Association) titles, and an OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations) appearance. Her achievements also include multiple MVP awards across volleyball, track and field, and flag football, two gold medals in beach volleyball, and the prestigious Colin Hood OFSAA Award.
Mara will continue her volleyball career as a libero for Cambrian College’s Women’s Volleyball Team while pursuing a nursing degree, with aspirations of becoming a pediatric nurse. Beyond athletics, Mara has been active in student council and community initiatives, volunteering with Greater Sudbury Police in support of the Special Olympics Torch Run, Polar Plunge, and other local programs
Rabbjyot Rajput
A graduate of Turner Fenton Secondary School in Brampton, Rabbjyot Rajput is an accomplished cricketer who made history in 2023 when, at just 15 years old, she became the youngest player to represent Canada’s Senior Women’s National Cricket Team. She has since captained Canada’s inaugural Under-19 Women’s National Cricket Team and founded her high school’s first cricket team, creating new opportunities for fellow students to participate in the sport. Her athletic achievements also extend to table tennis, where she is a two-time ROPSSAA champion.
With a passion for entrepreneurship and sports development, she hopes to combine her athletic experience with business and management skills to expand opportunities for future generations of Canadian athletes. Beyond competition, she is actively involved in her community, mentoring young cricketers and supporting cancer research through the Cricket to Conquer Cancer initiative.
Ayden Smallwood
A graduate of Westdale Secondary School in Hamilton, Ayden Smallwood is an accomplished multi-sport athlete with a passion for football, hockey, and competitive powerlifting. As a two-year captain of his high school football team, he helped lead Westdale to a city championship and a SOSSA finals appearance. His achievements include representing Team Ontario’s U18 football program, captaining both the CFC Prospect Game and Steel City Bowl, earning three consecutive HWDSB All-Star honours, and setting four provincial powerlifting records in 2026. He has also maintained a 91% academic average while balancing his athletic commitments.
Ayden will attend Western University to study kinesiology while continuing his football career, with aspirations of playing professionally and eventually pursuing a career in teaching. His commitment to developing young athletes extends beyond his own sporting achievements. Through coaching youth football, hockey, and baseball, as well as officiating community flag football, Ayden has demonstrated a dedication to mentorship, leadership, and giving back to his community.
Aishshani Rameshkumar
A graduate of SATEC @ W. A. Porter Collegiate Institute in Toronto, Aishshani Rameshkumar is an accomplished multi-sport athlete with a passion for wrestling, basketball, and flag football. A three-time regional wrestling champion and three-time OFSAA qualifier, she has earned two Varsity Wrestling MVP awards and was named her school’s Female Athlete of the Year in both 2024 and 2026. As captain of three varsity teams, Aishshani has demonstrated leadership and dedication while maintaining strong academic standing throughout high school.
Aishshani will attend the University of Toronto to pursue Political Science while continuing her wrestling career, with aspirations of attending law school and becoming a criminal lawyer. Driven by a passion for advocacy and community service, she has held several student leadership positions, including president of her school’s Volunteer Now Club and Tamil Student Association. She also supports youth development through the Toronto Police Service’s Youth in Policing Initiative and hopes to continue mentoring young athletes through the Beat the Streets wrestling program.
