Kristian Ferrell
Manasi Joshi is an Indian para-badminton player who has achieved worldwide recognition for her success in the sport. Born in 1989, Manasi began playing badminton at the age of six and later pursued a career in software engineering. However, her life took an unexpected turn in 2011 when she met with a road accident that led to the amputation of her leg. Despite this setback, Manasi persevered and returned to the badminton court with a prosthetic leg. She made her international debut in para-badminton in 2015 and has since won numerous medals, including gold at the 2019 Para-Badminton World Championship. Manasi has been ranked as high as world number one in the women's singles SL3 category and continues to inspire others with her determination and achievements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Manasi Joshi |
| Date of Birth | 11 June 1989 |
| Birthplace | Rajkot, Gujarat, India |
| Education | K. J. Somaiya College of Engineering, University of Mumbai |
| Profession | Software Engineer |
| Sporting Career | Badminton |
| Badminton Specialization | Singles SL3 |
| Achievements | Ranked world No.1 in women's singles SL3 category in 2022; Silver medal in mixed doubles at the 2015 Para-Badminton World Championship; Bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Para Games; Gold medal at the 2019 Para-Badminton World Championship; Silver medal in doubles at the 2022 Asian Para Games; Bronze medal in singles SL3 at the 2022 Asian Para Games; National award for Best Sportsperson with Disability (female) in 2019; Differently abled athlete of the year award at ESPN India Awards in 2019; Times of India Sports award for Best para-athlete of the year in 2019; Barbie doll created in her likeness in 2020; BBC's 100 most inspirational and powerful women across the world in 2020; Nominated for BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year Award of 2020 |
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What You'll Learn
- Manasi Joshi's career as a para-badminton player began in 2015, four years after her road accident
- In 2019, Joshi won gold at the BWF Para Badminton World Championship
- Joshi has criticised able-bodied athletes for mocking disabilities
- In 2020, a Barbie doll was modelled after Joshi to inspire young girls
- Joshi has been recognised as one of the most powerful women across the world
Manasi Joshi's career as a para-badminton player began in 2015, four years after her road accident
Manasi Joshi's career as a para-badminton player began in 2015, four years after a road accident that led to the amputation of her leg. Joshi has had a remarkable journey, overcoming adversity and achieving international recognition in the world of para-badminton.
Joshi's passion for badminton started at a young age. She began playing at the age of six with her father, a retired scientist. Throughout her school and college years, she actively participated in sports, including badminton. After graduating with a degree in Electronics Engineering in 2010, Joshi pursued a career in software engineering. However, her life took an unexpected turn in December 2011 when she was involved in a severe road accident while riding her motorbike to work in Mumbai. The accident resulted in the amputation of her leg, and she faced a long road to recovery.
Joshi's determination and resilience shone through as she worked hard to regain her strength. In 2014, she embarked on her para-badminton journey, and the following year, in 2015, she made her international debut in the Para-Badminton World Championship in Spain. This marked the beginning of her career as a para-badminton player, and she quickly rose to prominence in the sport.
In 2015, Joshi won a silver medal in mixed doubles at the Para-Badminton World Championship in Stoke Mandeville, England. This was a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. Over the next few years, Joshi continued to excel and refine her skills. In 2018, she enrolled in the badminton academy of national coach Pullela Gopichand in Hyderabad, further intensifying her training.
In 2019, Joshi achieved a remarkable feat by winning the gold medal in the BWF Para Badminton championship in Basel, Switzerland. This triumph solidified her status as a world champion and earned her international recognition. Joshi's success extended beyond the badminton court, as she was featured on the cover of Time magazine's Asia edition and honoured with a Barbie doll modelled after her.
Joshi's career as a para-badminton player has been defined by her unwavering dedication, resilience, and talent. She has inspired countless individuals with her journey and continues to break barriers, challenging societal perceptions of disability. Her achievements have been recognised through various awards, including the National Award for Best Sportsperson with Disability (female) in 2019 and the ESPN India Awards for Differently Abled Athlete of the Year in 2019.
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In 2019, Joshi won gold at the BWF Para Badminton World Championship
In 2019, Manasi Joshi, an Indian para-badminton player, won gold at the BWF Para Badminton World Championship. This achievement earned her worldwide recognition and respect, with many celebrating her as an inspirational figure. Joshi's triumph is especially remarkable given the challenges she has faced in her life.
Joshi's journey to becoming a world champion began in 2011 when she met with a tragic road accident while riding her motorbike to work. As a result of the accident, Joshi's left leg had to be amputated, and she faced a long and difficult rehabilitation process. Despite this setback, Joshi was determined to pursue her passion for badminton. She returned to the court just three months after the accident, fitted with a prosthetic leg.
Joshi's hard work and dedication paid off, and she quickly rose through the ranks of para-badminton. In 2015, she made her international debut at the Para-Badminton World Championship in Spain, where she won a silver medal in mixed doubles. Over the next few years, she continued to excel, winning medals at various international tournaments, including the Asian Para Games and the Irish Para-Badminton International.
Then, in August 2019, Joshi achieved the pinnacle of her sporting career at that point, winning gold at the BWF Para Badminton World Championship in Basel, Switzerland. This victory solidified her status as a world champion and a leading figure in para-badminton. Joshi's success has not only brought her individual acclaim but has also helped shine a spotlight on para-sports and the achievements of athletes with disabilities.
Joshi's gold medal win at the 2019 BWF Para Badminton World Championship holds significant importance within the context of her career and the broader landscape of para-sports. This victory not only showcased her exceptional talent and perseverance but also inspired and empowered individuals with disabilities worldwide. Joshi's achievement challenged societal perceptions and proved that physical challenges are not a barrier to success. Her triumph sparked conversations and initiatives to promote inclusivity and accessibility in sports, breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive sporting environment.
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Joshi has criticised able-bodied athletes for mocking disabilities
Indian para-badminton player Manasi Joshi has been vocal about the issue of able-bodied athletes mocking disabilities. She has criticized those who pretend to have a disability to gain an advantage in competition, an act she finds disrespectful and offensive. Joshi, a paralympic bronze medalist, herself had her leg amputated below the knee after a life-threatening accident. She understands the challenges and hardships that come with a disability and has worked hard to overcome them in her sporting career.
Joshi's criticism is directed at those who feign disability to gain an unfair advantage or to seek an easier path to victory. She has witnessed instances where able-bodied athletes have mocked disabilities, and she finds this behavior appalling and insensitive. In an interview, she expressed her disappointment, stating that it is disrespectful to mock disabilities and that it undermines the challenges faced by para-athletes. She further added that such behavior shows a lack of understanding and respect for the para-sports community.
The issue of able-bodied athletes mocking disabilities is not new, and it is not limited to badminton. In various sports, there have been instances where athletes have pretended to have a disability to gain an advantage or qualify for para-sports events. This not only takes away opportunities from genuine para-athletes but also makes a mockery of the challenges they face. Joshi's criticism is a reminder that disability is not something to be mocked or exploited for personal gain.
Joshi's stance has been well-received by the para-sports community and has sparked conversations about the importance of respect and awareness. Her voice, as a successful para-athlete, carries weight and helps bring attention to the issue. By speaking out, she is helping to educate people about the challenges faced by para-athletes and the importance of maintaining the integrity of para-sports.
The criticism by Joshi serves as a reminder that disability is a sensitive issue and that able-bodied athletes must be mindful of their actions and words. It is important to foster an environment of respect and understanding, where the achievements of para-athletes are recognized and celebrated without mockery or insensitivity. Joshi's stance inspires not only para-athletes but also promotes the values of inclusivity and empathy in sports and beyond.
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In 2020, a Barbie doll was modelled after Joshi to inspire young girls
In 2020, toymaker Mattel launched a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll modelled after Indian para-badminton player Manasi Joshi as part of its Barbie Role Model series. This initiative aimed to inspire young girls, particularly those with disabilities, by celebrating female role models who break boundaries and challenge stereotypes. Joshi, a Paralympic champion, embodies the spirit of courage, determination, and excellence, making her an ideal choice for this honour.
The Barbie doll, created in Joshi's likeness, features a prosthetic leg, just like the athlete herself, who lost her left leg in a tragic road accident in 2011. This attention to detail sends a powerful message of inclusion and representation, reflecting Mattel's commitment to diversity and celebrating differences. The doll also wears a badminton outfit, complete with a racquet, reflecting Joshi's chosen sport and highlighting her achievements in para-badminton.
By creating a Barbie doll in Manasi Joshi's image, Mattel not only recognizes her outstanding athletic accomplishments but also uses its platform to spark conversations about disability, inclusion, and the power of pursuing one's dreams despite challenges. This doll becomes a tangible symbol of hope and inspiration for young girls, especially those with disabilities, showing them that their dreams and aspirations are valid and within reach. It conveys the message that disability does not define one's limits but rather fuels their determination to achieve greatness.
Joshi's journey serves as a testament to resilience and the power of a positive mindset. Despite her injury, she pursued para-badminton with dedication and went on to win numerous medals, including a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Para Games and a bronze medal at the 2019 World Championships. Her success on the court, combined with her new role as a Barbie Role Model, sends a clear message to young girls that they, too, can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams, regardless of the challenges they may face.
The impact of this Barbie doll extends beyond mere inspiration. It contributes to a larger cultural shift, challenging societal perceptions of disability and beauty. By embracing differences and celebrating unique stories like Joshi's, Mattel encourages empathy, understanding, and acceptance among children who grow up playing with these diverse dolls. This initiative also empowers young girls with disabilities to see themselves represented in mainstream toys, fostering self-confidence and a sense of belonging.
The Manasi Joshi Barbie doll is more than just a plaything; it is a symbol of empowerment and a catalyst for meaningful dialogue around disability and inclusion. Through this doll, young girls with disabilities can see reflections of themselves, feel valued, and believe in their limitless potential. Mattel's decision to model a Barbie after Joshi sends a powerful message that disability does not diminish one's ability to dream big, achieve greatness, and inspire others.
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Joshi has been recognised as one of the most powerful women across the world
Manasi Joshi, the Indian para-badminton player, has been recognised as one of the most powerful women across the world. Joshi, who lost her leg in a road accident in 2011, has earned worldwide respect and accolades for her achievements in the sport. She has been ranked world No. 1 in the women's singles SL3 category and has won several medals at international tournaments, including a gold medal at the 2019 Para-Badminton World Championship in Basel, Switzerland.
Joshi's determination and resilience in the face of adversity have inspired people worldwide. In recognition of her achievements, Barbie celebrated Manasi by modelling a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll in her likeness on International Day of Girl Child in 2020. The doll was created to inspire young girls, and it is a testament to Joshi's impact beyond the sporting arena. Additionally, she was recognised by the BBC as one of the 100 most inspirational and powerful women across the globe in 2020.
Joshi's sporting career began in 2015, following her recovery from the accident. She quickly rose through the ranks and made her international debut in the Para-Badminton World Championship in Spain in 2015, where she won a silver medal in mixed doubles. In 2018, she enrolled in national coach Pullela Gopichand's academy in Hyderabad and became a member of India's national para-badminton squad.
Joshi's success in para-badminton is even more remarkable given the challenges she faces due to the lack of specialised prosthetic equipment for the sport. In an interview, she highlighted the need for prosthetic equipment that accommodates the sideways and backward motions required in badminton. Despite this challenge, Joshi has adapted and excelled, becoming a role model for athletes with disabilities.
In addition to her sporting achievements, Joshi has been an advocate for people with disabilities. She has used her platform to speak out against the mocking of disabilities, criticising cricketers Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina for their insensitive portrayal of gait patterns of people with disabilities. Joshi's courage, determination, and impact both on and off the court have solidified her recognition as one of the most powerful women across the world.
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Frequently asked questions
Manasi Joshi is an Indian para-badminton player. She is a former world champion in para badminton women's singles SL3 category.
In December 2011, Joshi met with a road accident while riding her motorbike to work. Her left leg was crushed, and she broke both arms. Her leg was amputated by doctors, and she had to learn to walk again.
Joshi started playing badminton at the age of six with her father. She began her journey in competitive badminton in 2014 and participated in her first international tournament in Spain in 2014.
Joshi is a former world no. 1 in her SL3 badminton category. She has won several medals, including gold at the 2019 World Championships, silver at the 2015 Para-Badminton World Championship, and bronze at the 2018 Asian Para Games. She has also been recognised by the BBC as one of the 100 most inspirational and powerful women across the world in 2020.
Joshi has stated that there is a lack of prosthetic equipment specifically designed for badminton, which requires sideways and backward motion in addition to forward motion. She has adapted to succeed in the sport without specialised prosthetic equipment.
