Manisha wins BWF Female Para-Badminton Player of the Year award
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The Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Monday announced Manisha as the winner after the 17-year-old bagged gold in the SU5 category at the World Championships. Overall, he won 11 gold and five bronze medals in 2022.
India’s Nitya Sri Sumathi and Manasi Joshi, Sarina Sadomi, Giuliana Poveda Flores and Pilar Jaregui competed in this category.
However, Paralympic champion Pramod Bhagat and Thomas Cup winner HS Pranai missed out on the prestigious award.
Bhagat, who won his fourth World Championships singles gold this year, was among those shortlisted for the BWF Male Para-Badminton Player of the Year award, but the award was WH2 world champion and reigning Paralympic champion Teiki Kajiwara, who won 10 golds and won 10 golds. A total of four bronze medals. Apart from Bhagat, the Japanese received recognition over Cheah Liek Hou, Lucas Mazur, Chu Man Kai and Choi Jungman.
In the award for able-bodied shuttlers, the extraordinary dominance of Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen and Zheng Chi Wei/Huang Ya Kiong was honored this season as they won the BWF Player of the Year awards in their respective categories.
Axelsen won the BWF Male Player of the Year award for sweeping almost everything in his path during the qualifying period from November 1, 2021 to October 31, 2022. Axelsen won nine titles, including his second World Championship crown. Three consecutive world tour titles, the BWF said in a statement on its official website.
The BWF Player of the Year was won by Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi, who won back-to-back World Championship titles within a nine-month period. He also won two other titles – All-England Open and Japan Open. The other contestants are Ahn Se Young and Tae Soo Ying.
Fajr Alfian/Muhammad Ryan Artianto’s impressive consistency until 2022, when they made eight finals and won four, saw them named the BWF Most Improved Players of the Year. The Indonesians won the honor ahead of HS Pranai and Jeong Na Eun/Kim Hye Jeong.
Japan’s 21-year-old Kodai Naroka, who has had a meteoric rise in 2022, won the Eddie Chung Promising Player of the Year award. Naroka made four finals and won the Vietnam Open.
Manisha Wins BWF Female Para-Badminton Player of the Year Award
In a momentous achievement, Manisha has been honored with the prestigious BWF Female Para-Badminton Player of the Year award. This accolade, awarded by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), is a testament to her exceptional skill, perseverance, and contribution to the sport of para-badminton. Her journey is not only an inspiration to aspiring athletes but also a significant milestone in the realm of sports for athletes with disabilities.
The Journey to the Pinnacle
Manisha’s journey to the top has been anything but easy. Born with a disability that presented numerous challenges, she never let her physical limitations define her. Instead, she embraced badminton as a means to showcase her abilities, resilience, and unyielding spirit. From a young age, she demonstrated an extraordinary aptitude for the sport, quickly rising through the ranks in national and international competitions.
Stellar Performance in 2023
The year 2023 was particularly remarkable for Manisha, marked by numerous victories and standout performances. She clinched gold medals in several major tournaments, including the World Para-Badminton Championships and the Asian Para Games. Her prowess on the court, characterized by swift movements, strategic gameplay, and an indomitable fighting spirit, earned her accolades from fans, peers, and sports critics alike.
Impact Beyond the Court
Manisha’s influence extends beyond her athletic achievements. She has become a symbol of hope and empowerment for many individuals with disabilities. Through her success, she has demonstrated that physical limitations are not barriers but challenges that can be overcome with determination and hard work. Her story has inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams despite the obstacles they may face.
Off the court, Manisha is a vocal advocate for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in sports. She actively participates in various initiatives aimed at promoting accessibility and opportunities for disabled athletes. Her involvement in community outreach programs and her efforts to raise awareness about the capabilities of para-athletes have made a significant impact in changing societal attitudes and perceptions.
The Significance of the Award
The BWF Female Para-Badminton Player of the Year award is a recognition of Manisha’s exceptional contributions to the sport. The award, determined by a panel of experts from the BWF, takes into account an athlete’s performance, sportsmanship, and overall impact on the sport. Manisha’s selection for this award underscores her excellence in all these areas.
Receiving this prestigious award is not only a personal triumph for Manisha but also a landmark moment for para-badminton. It brings greater visibility to the sport and highlights the incredible talent and determination of para-athletes. This recognition is expected to inspire more support and investment in para-sports, creating more opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
Celebrations and Tributes
Following the announcement of her award, tributes poured in from various quarters. Fellow athletes, coaches, sports administrators, and fans celebrated Manisha’s achievement. Social media platforms were abuzz with messages of congratulations and admiration for her dedication and success.
In a heartfelt message, Manisha expressed her gratitude to the BWF, her coaches, family, and supporters. She emphasized the importance of perseverance and self-belief, encouraging aspiring athletes to pursue their goals with passion and determination. Manisha also reiterated her commitment to advocating for greater inclusivity in sports and supporting fellow para-athletes in their journey.
Future Endeavors
Looking ahead, Manisha has her sights set on new challenges and aspirations. She aims to continue competing at the highest level, with the upcoming Paralympic Games being a significant target. Her training regimen, guided by her experienced coaching team, is focused on refining her skills and strategies to maintain her competitive edge.
Beyond her personal goals, Manisha is dedicated to fostering the next generation of para-badminton players. She plans to establish a foundation to support young athletes with disabilities, providing them with the resources and opportunities needed to excel in their chosen sports.
Conclusion
Manisha’s receipt of the BWF Female Para-Badminton Player of the Year award is a monumental achievement that underscores her exceptional talent, determination, and impact on the sport. Her journey from overcoming physical challenges to becoming a global sports icon is a powerful testament to the indomitable human spirit. As she continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations, Manisha’s legacy in para-badminton and sports, in general, is set to be enduring and transformative.
