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?
This story is from the March 09, 2019 edition of Femina.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 09, 2019 edition of Femina.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
AGAINST ALL ODDS
SAIKA ISHAQUE's cricketing journey is a remarkable story of resilience, determination, and triumph against adversity, writes Kayal Arivalan
MASTERING THE ART OF TEACHING
DR SANGHAMITRA BUDDHAPRIYA talks to Ravina M Sachdev about her many accomplishments and her inspiration to become a professor
ART ATTACK
KANIKA RANKA ADANI, founder of The Studio Project, talks to Ravina M Sachdev about turning her passion into her profession
GLOBAL CRAVINGS
PLAKA in Bengaluru promises an exceptional dining experience for casual dining enthusiasts eager to explore international cuisines
TAKE A BREAK IN GANGTOK
Nestled amid the breathtaking landscapes of the Eastern Himalayas, Gangtok is a serene choice for your summer vacation
NOURISHING THE NEW MOTHER
The right nutrition can help new mothers recover and feel stronger.
HOW'S YOUR AURA DOING TODAY?
Do you have a positively-charged aura? Prachi Rijhwani helps you find out
QUIT RIGHT
Pratyasha Sarkar shares ways to quit your job without burning your bridges
WRITE YOURSELF SUCCESSFUL!
Riddhima Shishupal shares ways by which you can ace professional communication
BEAT THE BURNOUT
Here are expert-backed tips to prevent burnout at work