Deaf Badminton Stars Shine Bright, Prepare for Deaflympics Glory

As the 2025 Deaflympics in Japan approach, a group of eight accomplished Indian deaf badminton players are intensely training at a private stadium in Noida, India. These athletes, hailing from different parts of the country, have already made their mark on the international stage, but their journeys to this camp have been anything but easy.

Leading the pack is Jerlin Anika, a 21-year-old from Madurai who is currently ranked world number two in women's singles. Jerlin is already a legend in the deaf badminton community, having become the first Indian woman Deaflympian to receive the prestigious Arjuna award after winning three gold medals - in team, mixed doubles, and singles - at the 2022 Brazil Games. Her father, a small-scale entrepreneur, once struggled to afford her equipment, but now Jerlin is a recognized figure in her hometown.

Joining Jerlin is 15-year-old Aaditya Yadav from Gorakhpur, ranked world number five and the youngest member of the team. Aaditya's love for badminton began a decade ago, training alongside her father, a Railways badminton coach. After initially competing against hearing players, she discovered the world of deaf tournaments, where she found her true calling.

The team's success is also a testament to the dedication of their coach, Sonu Anand Sharma, a former Deaflympian gold medallist. Her sharp eye for talent and patient guidance have shaped the journeys of nearly every player in the squad. Under her leadership, the Indian badminton team clinched three golds and one bronze at the 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil, with the entire Indian contingent returning with 16 medals.

Despite their achievements, many of these athletes feel that the Deaflympics remain in the shadows, overshadowed by the more well-known Paralympics. However, with increased government support and the players' unwavering discipline, their stories are now gaining the recognition they deserve.