Para-badminton player Manasi Joshi is a fighter. She talks to Nikita Sawant about the game that helped her get back on her feet, push boundaries, and live her best life
It’s sheer willpower that defines Manasi Joshi. After meeting with a gruesome road accident seven years ago, in which she lost her leg, Joshi picked herself right up and forged on. A software engineer by profession and a para-badminton wizard by passion, she resumed work, and balanced it with a busy badminton training schedule as soon as she recovered. Some of her recent wins include bronze medals in the singles category of the 2018 Para Asian Games, 2018 Thailand Para-Badminton International, 2017 Para-Badminton World Championships, and a silver medal in mixed doubles at the 2015 Para-Badminton World Championships. Over to the shuttler who talks about what motivates her, the driving force behind her success, and the challenges she’s faced on her way to victory.
As a young girl, were you more inclined towards sports or academics?
I was more into academics. Of course, I was interested in sports like any other regular school kid. But it was more of a hobby than anything else.
Can you tell us about the accident that changed your life?
It was December 2, 2011. I was crossing the road while on my way to work, when a truck hit me. The rear wheel of the vehicle went over my left leg, crushing it. It was bad; I lost a lot of blood. The accident took place around 8:30 am, after which I was taken from one hospital to another because they didn’t have the resources. I was taken into surgery only at 5-5:30 in the evening, by which time gangrene had set in and my leg had to be amputated. I was in the hospital for 45 days.
How did you cope with it?
Initially, in the ICU, I was by myself. After I was moved to the general ward, I had my friends and family around me almost every minute. Talking to them made coping with a life-changing experience bearable, if not easy.
What motivated you to take up badminton after the accident?
Bu hikaye Femina dergisinin March 09, 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Femina dergisinin March 09, 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Get Out Of Text Tension
Ravina M Sachdev shares insights on how fexting might be ruining your relationship and how it can backfire in the long run
Pick Your Patterns Of Love
Prachi Rijhwani teaches you a thing or two about how to embrace healthy dating practices
TAME THAT TEMPER
You've probably seen children sprawled out on the floor in department stores or during festive occasions. Ever pondered the reason behind their behaviour? It is called toddler aggression and here's how to handle it.
HOW YOUR PALS POWER YOUR LOVE
Prachi Rijhwani discusses the positive impact of healthy friendships on your love life
An ITALIAN AFFAIR
TOSCANO has just opened another outpost in Wakad, and Pune is all for it
MAKING IT BIG
Restaurateur DHAVAL UDESHI talks to Ravina M Sachdev about starting from scratch in hospitality and making it big
SUNDAY BRUNCHES WITH Avartana's Award-Winning Food
Enjoy a Sunday brunch with the meticulously-curated menus at concept restaurant AVARTANA at ITC Maratha, Mumbai.
Of Culture And Curry
EDDIE SCOTT, winner of MasterChef UK 2022, knew that he needed to expand the West's horizon of Indian food beyond the notion of butter chicken and curry. He tells Shraddha Kamdar how he has attempted to do it with his book Misarana
THE WAY OF THE WATER
Happy, luxurious, chic, good times are the only way to roll on a vacation. AMBIKA MUTTOO has found her new favourite spot in the Indian Ocean, and is letting you in on the secret
HOT RIGHT NOW
All things fresh and fun in the beauty space
