New Delhi, June 10: “Victory is in the mind; defeat is also in the mind. Those who lose without fighting deserve scorn.” Some life events can drastically change our paths. Yet, those who bravely accept challenges often find fortune on their side. Mansi Joshi, a para-badminton player who lost a leg in a road accident, is one such courageous athlete. Instead of succumbing to her circumstances, she fought back and made her mark on the world stage.
Born on June 11, 1989, in Rajkot, Gujarat, Mansi developed a keen interest in badminton early on. Her father introduced her to the sport, and they often played together during her free time. This nurturing environment deepened her passion for badminton. Alongside her sports journey, Mansi pursued her education, eventually earning a degree in electronics engineering and working as a software engineer.
Despite her job, Mansi remained dedicated to badminton. However, at the age of 22, a tragic accident changed everything. While riding her two-wheeler to work, she collided with an out-of-control truck, which ran over her left leg. Following extensive treatment, doctors had to amputate her leg, plunging her into a deep depression.
Encouraged by a friend, Mansi found the strength to return to badminton. Gradually, she immersed herself in the sport, and success began to follow. She moved to Hyderabad to train at Pullela Gopichand’s academy, preparing herself for the international stage through hard work and determination.
In 2015, Mansi showcased her talent at the Para Badminton World Championship in England, winning a silver medal in mixed doubles. The following year, she secured a bronze medal at the Para World Championship. Her impressive performances at the Asian Games in 2016 and 2018 earned her two more bronze medals. However, her greatest achievement came in 2019 when she won the gold medal in singles at the World Championship, making history.
Throughout her journey, Mansi never allowed her physical disability to hinder her progress. In 2022, she was honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award for her remarkable contributions to sports.
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