Defying all odds, Manasi Joshi wins her first gold medal at Para-Badminton World Championship
Badminton star PV Sindhu has been the talk of the town for clinching gold at the World Championships. Along with her para-badminton player Manasi Joshi also created history by securing gold at the World Championships, just a day before Sindhu.
It was a dream come true moment for Manasi when she emerged victorious against experienced compatriot Parul Parmer in the women’s singles SL3 final on Saturday.
Life’s other plans
In 2011, Manasi met with an accident when she was on her way to work, which left her with a crushed left leg, broken arms, and numerous other injuries. After 10 hours of struggle in the operation theatre, Manasi came out with one leg amputated due to gangrene.
In 2012, she re-learned how to walk with a prosthetic limb for around four months, and participated in an inter-company badminton championship where she bagged a gold medal. This time too, she was crowned the winner. This victory gave Manasi a surge in confidence, and she continued playing badminton. It was only the start of an inspiring journey in the sport. She also got trained in scuba diving.
In 2014, Manasi tried to participate in the Para Asian Games but wasn’t selected. The same year, Manasi played her first national-level badminton tournament and ended up winning a silver medal. A 5th position finish in the Spanish Para-badminton international championship next year was nothing short of an achievement.
Joshi trains at Pullella Gopichand’s academy in Hyderabad, which has among its stars Sindhu and World Championship bronze winner Sai Praneeth.
For somebody who played Nationals in 2014 and within these five years is currently a World champion, Manasi says she owes it to the total group of care staff at GopiChand Academy including mentors where she prepared for two months before going for the championship tournament.
“It feels extraordinary to be known as the world champion. It’s never simple for any athlete and somebody like me who needs to confront difficulty on all fronts to script this golden moment in my career,” Manasi said after becoming a world champion.
“I trust that life will change, after sacrificing everything for this golden moment, in terms of better support, especially like getting the best equipment to pursue my dreams of winning a gold in the Paralympics and next Asian Games,” said Manasi.
With just one year to go in the 2020 Paralympics, Manasi has her sight set on her next target.
Her advice to youngsters
Giving advice to the young generation, a confident Manasi said, “People lose hope because there are people around them who tell them that it will be difficult. I want to tell everyone that it is really easy. If you think you want to do it, you will find people who will help you and make you reach where you are supposed to go. Things are extremely easy. All we require is honesty and patience.”
Manasi’s spirit has helped her face life’s curveballs with ease and adaptability.
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