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.

The Olympic Village is designed with sustainability at its core, aligning with France’s goal of hosting the “greenest” Olympics in history. After the Games conclude, the Village will be repurposed into office spaces and affordable housing for up to 12,000 residents. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the Village will continue to serve the community long after the athletes have left.

A significant aspect of this sustainability effort involves using recycled materials and environmentally friendly technologies. Instead of constructing entirely new buildings, existing structures, including an old electric factory, have been renovated. The new buildings utilize wood and incorporate 75% recycled materials. Additionally, one-third of the rooftops are fitted with solar panels, while another third feature gardens designed to naturally cool the buildings. These design choices minimize the need for air conditioning, although some buildings do include geothermal cooling systems.

The accommodations for athletes are crafted with both comfort and environmental awareness in mind. Mattresses are made from recycled materials, and the furniture, including stools and bed frames, is constructed from cardboard, making it easily recyclable. These beds, introduced during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, are designed to support up to 500 pounds. Despite their durability, athletes have noted their firmness, leading to some light-hearted videos online showcasing their unique design.

The Village comprises 3,000 apartments with nearly 16,000 beds, providing ample space for athletes and their support teams. Each apartment includes a bedroom with two beds and a small living area but lacks a kitchen. However, extensive dining options are available within the Village, with around 40,000 meals prepared daily. A large canteen accommodating 3,500 people offers a rotating menu that caters to diverse dietary needs, featuring French, Mediterranean, Asian, and Afro-Caribbean cuisines. Plant-based options such as vegetarian shawarma and beetroot falafel are also on the menu.

Athletes will find a range of amenities designed to enhance their experience. The Village Plaza, a shopping mall on-site, offers a hair salon, grocery store, bank, post office, and a 24-hour fitness center. Training facilities are abundant, with courts for basketball and fencing, and specialized venues for wrestling, pentathlon, and weightlifting. Over half of the training facilities are located within the Village, while others are accessible within a 20-minute radius.

Transportation within the Village is facilitated by shuttle buses and electric bikes, with accessible equipment such as scooters and wheelchairs provided for Paralympic athletes. A multifaith facility allows for religious practices, and the Village Club serves as a social space where athletes can relax and watch coverage of the Games.

For those interested in the athletes’ attire, Team USA will be outfitted by Ralph Lauren for the opening and closing ceremonies, with designs reflecting an American style while maintaining a formal touch. Nike will provide uniforms for the U.S. Track & Field and Basketball teams.

With its focus on comfort, sustainability, and convenience, the 2024 Paris Olympic Village is set to offer a unique and environmentally conscious experience for athletes. As the Games commence from July 26 to August 11, the Village stands ready to host competitors from around the globe, showcasing a new era of eco-friendly Olympic hosting.