Para-Badminton Champ Eyes Gold Amidst Hectic Season

Former world champion Manasi Joshi is setting her sights on a triumphant return at the upcoming World Championships in February, aiming to recapture the gold medal she secured in 2019. This follows a period of recovery from surgery to remove uterine fibroids, which had sidelined her for nearly three months. Despite the challenges, Joshi has been actively training and recently achieved success in international tournaments.

Joshi anticipates an exceptionally busy 2025, which includes not only the World Championships but also the Asian Games later in the year. She has received official selection for all three events at the World Championships: singles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles. Her recent performances, including gold and bronze medals at the Japan International and success in Australia and Indonesia, indicate strong form heading into the major competitions.

Despite a setback at the Paris Paralympics and a subsequent break, Joshi has focused on improving her world ranking and regaining her top form. She acknowledges the increased competition but is dedicated to her training, which involves six to eight hours daily. Her resilience is further highlighted by her participation in various conferences and her determination to excel despite physical challenges and a demanding schedule.