As the curtain falls on the year, India’s top para shuttler, Manasi Joshi, is basking in the glow of success after securing a gold medal at the 5th Fazza Dubai Para-Badminton International 2023 alongside her partner Thulasi Murugesan. The dynamic duo avenged their Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games final loss, clinching victory in a thrilling women’s doubles SL3-SU5 match against Indonesian top-ranked Leani Ratri Oktila and Khalimatus Sadiyah. The victory was a pivotal moment as it capped off the year and set the stage for the upcoming World Championships in February 2024.
Team India displayed a stellar performance in Dubai, securing a total of 14 medals, including five silver and eight bronze. Manasi Joshi, quoted by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), expressed her happiness, emphasizing the importance of the win as a stepping stone toward the World Championships. Joshi and Murugesan, both training at the Pullela Gopichand Academy, have formed a formidable partnership in 2023, claiming six titles from nine tournaments.
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Despite the women’s doubles SL3-SU5 not being part of the Paris 2024 Paralympics, it holds significance in the upcoming World Championships in Pattaya. Joshi highlighted her comprehensive preparation for the SL3 game and her strategy analysis for future opponents.
In the men’s standing events, Paralympic champion Pramod Bhagat faced tough competition, finishing second in the men’s singles SL3 final. Bhagat, acknowledging his rival Daniel Bethell’s progress, expressed the need to focus on fitness and strength for future challenges. Bhagat also lost the SL3-SU5 mixed doubles final to Indonesia’s Leani Ratri Oktila and Hikmat Ramdani.
Suhas Yathiraj, the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic silver medallist, concluded the season on a positive note despite a loss in the men’s singles SL4 final. Yathiraj highlighted the importance of performing well in Level 2 tournaments, reflecting on his journey from a rank of 39th to a strong Paralympic contender.
As the para-badminton season concludes, Indian para-athletes look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, setting their sights on the prestigious World Championships in 2024.
-IANS
