We Are Powerful Beyond Measure

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

- Nikita Sawant

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?