Manasi Joshi Barbie Doll

Para-Badminton World Champion, India

Indian Para-athlete Manasi Joshi is a current Para Badminton World Champion and currently holds the place as World No. 2 in SL3 Singles (Women’s Singles). Apart from being a Para-athlete, Manasi is also a software engineer and a change maker - wishing to drive a global shift in para-sport inclusivity and recognition.

Manasi was first introduced to the sport by her father at the age of 6 and over the years, took part in various tournaments representing her schools. In 2011, after recently graduating and starting her first job as a software engineer, Manasi endured a tragic accident that acquired disability due to her injuries. Changing her life in a positive way, Manasi used Badminton as part of her rehabilitation process and did not let her accident deter her journey. Manasi began to pursue para-badminton professionally and with sustained focus & dedication, in September 2015, Manasi won a Silver Medal in mixed doubles at the Para-Badminton World Championship held in Stoke Mandeville, England. She continued to dominate the game and in October 2018, she won a Bronze medal at the Asian Para Games 2018, held in Jakarta, Indonesia. She most recently won a Gold medal in the women’s singles (SL3) at the Para-Badminton World Championship 2019 held in Basel, Switzerland.