Paris Paralympics: Indian shuttler Manasi Joshi’s gutsy campaign ends

Fighting till the end, Indian para-shuttler Manasi Joshi’s campaign ended in the quarter-finals of the women’s singles SL3 event of the ongoing Paris Paralympics 2024.

The Indian shuttler, who had earlier secured a memorable win against arch-rival Ayako Suzuki of Japan, gave a tough fight to Oksana Bykova of Ukraine but lost the match 18-21, 21-11, 16-21.

Despite the loss, Manasi's performance throughout the tournament has been impressive, showcasing her determination and resilience. She started her campaign with a hard-fought 21-18, 22-20 victory over Japan's Ayako Suzuki, a two-time Paralympic champion and the reigning world champion.

In her next match, Manasi faced China's Cheng Hefang, the top seed in the tournament. Despite putting up a valiant effort, she lost the match 21-11, 21-12.

In the quarter-finals, Manasi faced Oksana Bykova of Ukraine. The match was a closely contested affair, with both players fighting tooth and nail for every point. Manasi won the first game 21-18, but Bykova came back strongly to win the second game 21-11. In the decider, Bykova maintained her momentum to win 21-16 and advance to the semi-finals.

Manasi's performance at the Paralympics is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She has shown that she is a rising star in the world of para-badminton and has the potential to achieve great things in the future.

Here are some highlights of Manasi's performance at the Paris Paralympics 2024:

• Defeated two-time Paralympic champion and reigning world champion Ayako Suzuki of Japan in the first round.
• Reached the quarter-finals of the women's singles SL3 event.
• Showcased her determination and resilience throughout the tournament.

Manasi's journey at the Paralympics may have come to an end, but her story is far from over. She is a role model for young para-athletes in India and around the world, and her achievements will inspire many others to pursue their dreams.