In a historic achievement for India, Thulasimathi Murugesan has become the first Indian female para-badminton player to win a silver medal at the Paris Paralympics. Despite a challenging final match against China’s Yang Qiu Jia, where she lost 17-21, 10-21, Thulasimathi’s journey to the podium is nothing short of inspirational.
A Journey Marked by Determination
Born on April 11, 2002, in Tamil Nadu, Thulasimathi’s life has been a story of overcoming adversity. She was born without a thumb on her left hand, and later in life, she suffered a severe accident that further damaged her hand. Despite these challenges, her passion for badminton remained unshaken. From the age of seven, Thulasimathi was determined to become a badminton player, drawing inspiration from her idol, Saina Nehwal.
Training and Triumphs
Thulasimathi’s dedication led her to train at the prestigious Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy, where she honed her skills under expert guidance. Her father’s unwavering support played a crucial role in her journey. Thulasimathi first gained national attention at the 2022 Asian Para Games, where she secured three medals for India in the SL3-SU5 and SU5 categories.
Her success continued in December 2023, when she won gold in the Fazza Dubai Para Badminton International, partnering with Manasi Joshi in the women’s doubles event. The duo also bagged a silver medal at the World Championship the same year, earning accolades from none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Making History at the Paris Paralympics
Thulasimathi’s performance at the Paris Paralympics is a testament to her resilience and skill. Although she narrowly missed the gold, her achievement is a milestone in Indian para-badminton. At just 22 years old, Thulasimathi has already etched her name in the annals of Indian sports history, and her journey promises even more success in the future. Given her incredible talent and determination, many are confident that her next Paralympic medal could very well be gold.
