Manisha Ramadass Shines at Paris Paralympics with Historic Bronze Medal
About Manisha Ramadass
New Delhi: In a remarkable achievement that has stirred national pride, Manisha Ramadass clinched the bronze medal in the women’s singles SU5 category at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Her victory not only adds a significant milestone to her personal career but also marks a historic moment for Indian para-badminton, as she becomes the first Indian woman to win a badminton medal at the Paralympics.
A Stellar Performance
Manisha Ramadass, aged 19, showcased an outstanding performance on Monday, defeating Denmark’s Cathrine Rosengren in straight games with scores of 21-12 and 21-8. The match, held at the LA Chapelle Arena Court 3, lasted just 25 minutes, with Manisha demonstrating a commanding presence from the start. Her dominance on the court was evident as she quickly gained the upper hand and maintained her lead throughout both games, ensuring a smooth path to her historic win.
Road to Glory
Ramadass’s journey to the podium was marked by impressive victories and a few hurdles. She began her campaign in Paris with a strong showing in the group stage, where she defeated France’s Maud Lefort in straight games. Her continued success in the tournament saw her defeating China’s Yang Qiuxia and advancing to the quarter-finals. In the quarters, Manisha faced Japan’s Mamiko Toyoda and won without much difficulty, continuing her path towards the medal rounds.
However, the semi-finals presented a challenge as Manisha faced Thulasimathi Murugesan, where she struggled and lost the chance to compete for gold. Despite this setback, her journey to the bronze medal match was a testament to her resilience and skill.
An Inspirational Journey
Manisha Ramadass’s journey to the Paralympic podium is as inspiring as her performance. Born with Erb’s Palsy, she found her calling in para-badminton, a sport she was introduced to by a friend in 2019. Her passion and determination were evident from a young age. Starting her competitive career at the Para Badminton State Championship, Manisha quickly rose through the ranks, achieving significant milestones.
Her admiration for badminton icon Saina Nehwal fueled her ambitions. In her first year of competition, Manisha achieved the remarkable feat of becoming World No. 1 in para-badminton. Her prowess was further solidified with a gold medal at the 2022 World Championships in Japan. This consistency in performance was highlighted by her success at the 2022 Asian Para Games, where she earned three bronze medals.
Impact on Indian Para-Badminton
Manisha’s historic win at the Paris Paralympics marks a new chapter in Indian para-badminton. Her success is expected to inspire many young athletes and elevate the sport’s profile in India. Her achievements not only highlight her individual talent but also reflect the growing prominence of para-sports on the global stage.
Thulasimathi Murugesan’s Silver
While Manisha Ramadass celebrated her bronze medal, the final match of the SU5 category saw another Indian shuttler, Thulasimathi Murugesan, competing for gold. The 22-year-old Murugesan, who was the number one seed, faced a tough opponent in China’s Yang Qiuxia. Despite a valiant effort, Thulasimathi lost the final with scores of 17-21 and 10-21. Her silver medal is a commendable achievement and reflects the strong competitive spirit of Indian para-badminton.
Future Prospects
With Manisha Ramadass’s bronze medal win, the future of Indian para-badminton looks promising. Her exceptional talent, combined with her unwavering dedication, positions her as a formidable athlete on the international stage. As she continues to build on her success, Manisha is set to inspire and pave the way for future generations of para-athletes in India.
In summary, Manisha Ramadass’s historic bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics is a landmark achievement in Indian sports history. Her performance underscores her exceptional skill and dedication, setting a new standard in para-badminton and providing a source of inspiration for athletes across the globe.
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