Jerlin Anika is a 21-year-old Indian deaf badminton player from Madurai, currently ranked world #2 in women's singles. She made history by becoming the first Indian woman Deaflympian to win three gold medals at the 2022 Brazil Deaflympics.

What is the Deaflympics?

The Deaflympics are the premier international multi-sport event for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes, organized by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD). The games are designed for communication equality, with athletes competing using visual cues and sign language.

How are the Indian deaf badminton players preparing for the 2025 Deaflympics in Japan?

The eight Indian deaf badminton players, including Jerlin Anika and Aaditya Yadav, are currently training intensely at a private stadium in Noida, India, under the guidance of their coach Sonu Anand Sharma, a former Deaflympian gold medallist.

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Deaf Badminton Stars Shine Bright, Prepare for Deaflympics Glory

13 Nov

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Summary

8 Indian deaf badminton players training for Deaflympics in Japan
Jerlin Anika, world #2, won 3 golds at 2022 Brazil Deaflympics
Aaditya Yadav, world #5, is the youngest member of the team

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.