India’s Manisha Ramadass beats Cathrine Rosengren of Denmark to win a bronze medal in the women’s singles SU5 category at the ongoing Paris Paralympics 2024 on Monday (September 2).
The 19-year-old paraathlete from Tamil Nadu won the third-place playoff match with a score line of 21-12, 21-8, and etched her name in history books by becoming the first Indian female shuttler to win a medal at the Paralympics.
The SU5 category is for athletes with impairment on the upper limbs, which could be in the playing or non-playing hand.
“I am very happy. I am on cloud nine,” said Manisha.
“I was really disappointed yesterday. I couldn’t get over it. Since I woke up today, I was still thinking about the match. I was angry for making some errors yesterday, so I poured all that anger on the court today. But this is not enough for me; I will work hard for the next four years to change the colour of the medal.”
The second seed Indian had lost her semi-final match against Thulasimathi Murugesan in the wee hours on Monday. It was a hard-fought contest between the two Indians, and it was Murugesan who prevailed in the end as she managed to beat Ramadass 23-21, 21-17 in just under 40 minutes.
The first game turned out to be tightly contested as both the players were determined and showcased their skills. Manisha saved multiple game points, but could not capitalise on the opportunities which she created. Murugesan won the first set 23-21.
In the second game, Manisha started off strong as she took an 11-10 lead in the mid-game break. Murugesan made full use of the mistakes made by her opponent. She used a combination of precise drop shots and strategic placements to win the 2nd set as well, 21-17, and reach the final.
Thulasimathi however failed to win the gold medal. She fought hard but lost 17-21, 10-21 to China’s defending champion Yang Qiuxia, taking home the silver.
“I am happy with the silver but a bit disappointed that I couldn’t give my best,” she said.
“I made a lot of mistakes. I should have taken the first set. I lost 1-2 points due to drift and then a few unforced errors, which gave her the lead.”
(With inputs from agencies)
Read More: Paris Paralympics 2024: Manisha Ramadass Wins Bronze Medal In Women’s Singles SU5 Category –