Manisha Ramadass Makes History with Bronze Medal at Paris Paralympics

About Manisha Ramadass

New Delhi: In a groundbreaking achievement for Indian sports, Manisha Ramadass secured the bronze medal in the women’s singles SU5 category at the Paris Paralympics 2024. At just 19 years old, she has become the first Indian woman to win a badminton medal at the Paralympics, etching her name into the annals of sports history.

A Dominant Display of Skill

On Monday, Manisha Ramadass delivered an exceptional performance, triumphing over Denmark’s Cathrine Rosengren with scores of 21-12 and 21-8. The match, held at the LA Chapelle Arena Court 3, was completed in just 25 minutes. From the outset, Manisha exhibited remarkable control and precision, maintaining a strong lead throughout both games and ensuring her path to the bronze medal was smooth and commanding.

Path to the Podium

Manisha’s journey to the podium was marked by a series of impressive victories and a few challenges. Her campaign began with a decisive win against France’s Maud Lefort in the group stage. She continued her strong form by overcoming China’s Yang Qiuxia to advance to the top 8. In the quarter-finals, Manisha defeated Japan’s Mamiko Toyoda with ease, further demonstrating her prowess on the court.

However, the semi-finals presented a tough challenge as Manisha faced Thulasimathi Murugesan. Despite her best efforts, she missed the chance to compete for gold. Nonetheless, her performance in securing the bronze medal was a testament to her resilience and skill.

An Inspiring Journey

Manisha Ramadass’s rise to the Paralympic stage is both inspiring and remarkable. Born with Erb’s Palsy, she discovered her passion for para-badminton through a friend’s recommendation in 2019. Despite her challenges, her dedication to the sport has been unwavering. Her competitive journey began with the Para Badminton State Championship, and she quickly rose to prominence.

Inspired by badminton legend Saina Nehwal, Manisha has achieved significant milestones early in her career. She reached the pinnacle of para-badminton by becoming World No. 1 in her first year of competition and won the gold medal at the 2022 World Championships in Japan. Her success continued with three bronze medals at the 2022 Asian Para Games, further establishing her as a formidable athlete.

Impact on Indian Para-Badminton

Manisha’s historic bronze medal win at the Paris Paralympics marks a significant moment for Indian para-badminton. Her achievement not only highlights her individual talent but also elevates the profile of para-sports in India. Her success is likely to inspire future generations of athletes and contribute to the growing recognition of para-sports on the global stage.

Thulasimathi Murugesan’s Silver Performance

In addition to Manisha’s triumph, the final match of the SU5 category saw Indian shuttler Thulasimathi Murugesan competing for gold. The 22-year-old, who was the top seed, faced a strong opponent in China’s Yang Qiuxia. Despite a valiant effort, Thulasimathi finished with a silver medal after losing the final with scores of 17-21 and 10-21. Her performance was commendable and reflects the competitive spirit of Indian para-badminton.

Looking Ahead

With Manisha Ramadass’s bronze medal, the future of Indian para-badminton looks bright. Her exceptional talent and dedication position her as a prominent figure in the international arena. As she continues to build on her success, Manisha is set to inspire and pave the way for the next generation of para-athletes in India.

In summary, Manisha Ramadass’s historic win at the Paris Paralympics represents a major milestone in Indian sports history. Her performance underscores her remarkable skill and dedication, setting a new standard in para-badminton and serving as an inspiration to athletes worldwide.