Indian shuttlers Murugesan Thulasimathi and Manisha Ramadass have made India proud yet again with their stellar performances at the ongoing Paris Paralympic Games 2024. Their efforts on the court have garnered them medals in the women’s singles SU5 category, enhancing India’s presence on the global stage.
Silver for Thulasimathi in Women’s Singles
Murugesan Thulasimathi, a top-seeded player, showcased tremendous skill and determination to clinch a silver medal in the women’s singles SU5 category. Despite her hard-fought efforts, she faced a tough battle in the final against the defending champion, China’s Yang Qiuxia. The Indian shuttler lost in straight games, 17-21 and 10-21, within just 30 minutes.
Thulasimathi’s Road to the Final
Thulasimathi’s path to the final wasn’t easy. She faced her compatriot, Manisha Ramadass, in the semifinals, where she triumphed to secure her place in the gold medal match. During the final, Thulasimathi made an impressive start and held a four-point lead in the first game, maintaining a score of 15-11. However, as the match progressed, Qiuxia’s experience shone through, and Thulasimathi struggled to keep up, eventually conceding her lead and losing the game.
A Close Battle in the Second Game
The second game saw Thulasimathi starting strong again with a one-point lead. But once Qiuxia staged her comeback, the Indian debutant found herself outmatched, ending the game with a 10-21 score. Despite the loss, Thulasimathi’s performance drew admiration for her fighting spirit and debut on such a significant platform.
Bronze for Manisha Ramadass
On the other hand, Manisha Ramadass bounced back magnificently from her semifinal loss to win the bronze medal. Facing Denmark’s Cathrine Rosengren, Manisha played with relentless vigor. She dominated the match from start to finish, keeping a solid lead over her opponent.
Manisha’s Stunning Victory
Manisha clinched the first game 21-12 within a span of 13 minutes. Her momentum carried into the second game, where she thoroughly outperformed Rosengren, securing a swift victory with a score of 21-8 in just 12 minutes. This victory marked her as a formidable player, capable of swift comebacks and strong finishes.
India’s Triumph at Paris Paralympics
The achievements of Thulasimathi and Manisha added to India’s medal tally on an already successful day. Earlier, Nitesh Kumar had bagged a gold in the men’s singles SL3 event, and Yogesh Kathuniya secured a silver in the men’s discus throw F-56 event. With these additions, India’s total medal count at the Paralympics soared to 11, marking a significant achievement for the nation.
Other Medal Wins for India
The ongoing Summer Games have seen several Indian athletes rise to the occasion. Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal made history as the first medalists from India, earning gold and bronze in the R2 – Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 category, respectively.
In the P1 – Men’s 10m Air Pistol SH1 category, Manish Narwal clinched a silver, showcasing his excellent marksmanship. Adding to the shooting successes, Rubina Francis secured a bronze in the P2 – Women’s 10m Air Pistol SH1 event, marking her as a rising star.
Historic Moment for Preethi Pal
In track events, Preethi Pal made a historic mark by becoming India’s first track medallist at the Paralympics, winning a bronze in the Women’s 100m – T35 category. Her achievement opened new horizons for aspiring athletes, proving that dedication and hard work pave the way to success.
Looking Forward
The Paris Paralympic Games 2024 have highlighted India’s growing prowess in various sports. With athletes like Murugesan Thulasimathi and Manisha Ramadass leading the charge, India’s future in competitive sports looks brighter than ever.
The performances at the Paralympics serve as an inspiration to many, and the determination and grit they have exhibited on the global stage is truly commendable. As India celebrates these victories, the nation eagerly anticipates more triumphs in the days to come, reinforcing its presence in the international sports arena.
These achievements not only bring medals but also fuel the passion and hope for many budding athletes across the country. Our shuttlers, shooters, and track athletes have set a remarkable example, and there is no doubt that India will continue to shine brightly at the Paralympics and beyond.
