Manasi Joshi, who won a gold medal in the women’s SL3 category at Para badminton World Championship in 2019, has fought many battles in her life. In 2011, her life changed forever after she met a road accident, which led to six surgeries, including two amputation surgeries. While it would have been difficult for many to recover from the huge setback, Joshi took it as a challenge and became a professional para-badminton player within three years of the incident.
Joshi, who has been an advocate for creaating awareness for disability rights, received global recognition as she is the first Indian athlete to feature on the cover of the TIME magazine. In 2020, Barbie also dedicated a one-of-its-kind doll to Joshi on the occasion of International Day for Girl Child.
In an exclusive interaction with timesnownews.com as a part of a Times Now initiative, – ‘Indian Superwomen: The Path To Glory’ – presented by Morpheus Dare To Dream Music Cards, Joshi recalled how her life changed completely after that road accident in 2011 and how she recovered from the setback to create history for India in para-badminton.
How did you develop an interest in badminton?
Manasi Joshi: I developed an interest in playing badminton since my childhood, possibly when I was in the 4th or 5th standard. I started my coaching for badminton from the Summer Coaching Camps. Our advanced batches continued after that. Apart from badminton, I am interested in many other sports like football, basketball, volleyball and athletics. I actively participated in all these sports during my school days.
On the road accident in 2011 that changed her life forever
Manasi Joshi: Unfortunately, in 2011, I met a road accident which led to amputation. I was 22. I was going to office. I was about to complete a year in office. It was sad but badminton, a sport which I loved since my childhood, it motivated me and I once again started playing it. From balancing to several other aspects, things which could have taken months for me to learn, I could learn it quickly because of sports. I started participating in corporate-level tournaments and I developed an interest in Para-Badminton. In 2012, I won a gold at a corporate tournament.
In 2014, I participated in my first para-badminton international tournament. Within 2 years of my accident, I had become a para-badminton player and I was competing in international tournaments. Sports played a big role in helping me move ahead in life.
An accident is a setback in anybody’s life. But you took it as a challenge and went on to become a para-badminton player. Who were some of the people who stood behind you in this tough phase?
Manasi Joshi: I was in hospital for 45 days where I underwent six surgeries, which included two amputation surgeries. I am very fortunate that today I can share all this with all of you. I am here because of the support received from doctors and other staff in the hospital. I have received the maximum support from my family my mother and father, my younger sister and younger brother. I am here because of the kind of support these four have given me.
I had just finished college when the accident happened. The hospital became a meet-up spot for all the friends who supported me a lot. The atmosphere was filled with a lot of positivity. Not for one moment did I feel I was alone. I was sad about what had happened but I realised we could move ahead in life with that kind of support. I am here today because of all those people.
Most of the athletes are determined to achieve their goals despite all the challenges they have to face. So, which would be your Dare To Dream moment?
Manasi Joshi: My Dare To Dream moment was that I don’t have to compromise on dreaming bigger or higher. I wanted to dream big and fulfill those dreams to overcome the challenges. There were many obstacles and setbacks. There was a sad period as well. Hard Work and Perseverance – these were just words for me initially. To reach here after disability, I think that determination increased in me. The dedication I had towards my life also increased. That is the dare to dream moment – to work upon yourself, to be the best that you can be without compromising on what’s happening outside.
You are the only para-athlete in the world and first Indian athlete to feature on the cover of the TIME magazine. How proud are you of the achievement?
Manasi Joshi: I was sharing my opinions through sports. They wanted to nominate me for the Next Generation Leaders. They had contacted me in June-July, informing me that they would want me to consider myself as a part of the list and that I should be ready for a shoot. There are many people in the list who have changed the world. So I was so honoured to be a part of that elite list. I was very happy. And since it happened during COVID, all the photographers flew down to my house and the photoshoot was done in the garden of my building because there was no space available. When I came to know that they used the photo as the cover of TIME magazine, I felt so proud because I am not only the first para-athlete in the world but also the first Indian athlete to make it to the cover of TIME magazine. So it was huge for me.
You received another global recognition when Barbie dedicated a one-of-its-kind of doll to you on the occasion of International Day of Girl Child in 2022. Tell us about that experience.
Manasi Joshi: It was a huge thing for me, my family and all my friends and relatives. When Barbie had dedicated a doll on International Day For Girl Child to me I was so so happy. They took my photographs. They wanted 3-4 photographs of my hair, face from different angles for the doll. And when the doll was finally delivered to me, I was so happy to receive such a delicate item. And it looked exactly like me same hair, same prosthetics and the design of her shoes were all like mine.
Which are some of the Superwomen in your life?
Manasi Joshi: I have not seen a more selfless person than my mother. I can always aspire to become like her but cannot become like her. And my sister Nupur. She works so hard in her personal and professional life. I get so much inspired from them and I am glad they are my family members. They are the Indian Superwomen for me.
