Hyderabad: Manasi Joshi, a para badminton athlete, World No. 2 in the SL3 singles category, was felicitated by the Hyderabad 10K Foundation on Tuesday.
The ceremony was chaired by national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand and Gemini Kiran and a few directors of the 10K Run. The foundation also gifted her Rs 3 lakh in cash. She was six when she started playing badminton with her father, after completing her graduation in electronic engineering in 2010.
In 2011, she met with a road accident and lost her left leg. At that time, her family and friends supported her. After the recovery, she took up badminton again. Despite the handicap, her commitment and hard work made her win a silver medal in the mixed doubles at the Para-badminton world championship held in Stoke Mandeville, England in September 2015.
In October 2018, she had won a bronze medal for India at the Asian Para Games 2018, held in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Also, she had won a gold medal for India at the Para-badminton World Championship 2019 held in Basel, Switzerland.
Excerpts from a conversation with the athlete:
Q After your accident, when did you pick up the racquet again and what made you take up this sport seriously?
In December 2011, I met with an accident. After recovery, I joined my job and started playing at office events. Over there, I used to get consolation prizes.
Then I made up my mind that I will do something big and focused on that. In 2014, I played the nationals.
QFollowing the accident, what kind of support did you get?
After the accident, I was shattered, but thanks to my family, my siblings and all my friends who were there to support me every moment, I survived. Support from family and friends was vital.
QWhat difference did Hyderabad bring into your life since you are getting trained here?
I was constantly in touch with Gopi sir (Pullela Gopichand) over the phone. One day I made up my mind, packed my things and came to Hyderabad. And that helped me in achieving my dream.
QAs there are so many achievements under your hat already, what is your next target ?
My aim is to qualify for the 2020 World Cup, that will roll on to my winning that championship.
