World No. 6, Manisha Ramadass defeated World No.5, Japan’s Akiko Sugino in straights to a 21-17 21-11 win in the Standing Upper (SU5) women’s singles at the 4th Fazza Dubai Para-Badminton International 2022.
“I came here needing to prove to myself I can do this. I decided to play safe but confidently and it worked. I had some issues the last two weeks and had to boost my health as well as mental strength to believe in myself again,” said Manisha.
With this victory, Manisha reaches her career-best Rank World No. 4 SU5 WS. Her consistent performances during 2022 made her ranking progress steady. In 2022, she dominates the SU5 WS category and stuns the world's top players.
4th Fazza Dubai Para-Badminton International 2022, 29th May.
WS SU5 - Gold
WD SL3 SU5 - Gold
Bahrain Para-Badminton International 2022, 21st May.
WS SU5 - Bronze
WD SL3 SU5 - Silver
XD SL3 SU5 - Gold
Brazil Para-Badminton International 2022, 24th April.
WS SU5 - Gold
WD SL3 SU5 - Gold
Spanish Para-Badminton International 2022, 6th March.
WS SU5 - Gold
WD SL3 SU5 - Gold
XD SL3 SU5 - Bronze
Though she has started her international career three months before from Spanish Para-Badminton International 2022, the Indian Para-Badminton Queen demolish the dominance of Japanese powerhouses, Akiko Sugino, Mamika Toyoda, and Kaede Kameyama and is emerging as the Superpower of SU 5 Category by winning 7 Gold, 1 Silver, and 2 Bronze medals from just four tournaments with her just three months international career.
“It was an unforgettable experience. That win gave me a major confidence boost. A win against a top player makes you feel that you can beat anyone and that you can reach the top as well with hard work and determination. I am looking for consistent results and the next big goal will be a medal at the World Championships,” said the 17-year-old Manisha.
“Akiko is one of the best examples of an athlete. She is experienced and happily shares her knowledge with me. She’s one of my best friends off the court but my best enemy on it.”, Manisha added.
“Manisha is really a good emerging player in SU5 and I am sure we will deliver good results in the future,” mentioned Bhagat, the star Indian para player who won the SL3 MS Gold medal.
The Chennai-born, who is incubated from Appu Indoor Sports Academy, Thiruvallur, Chennai, and is practicing with Head Coach Ramkumar, S., follows Saina Nehwal and wants to inspire many other players with her performance. “It’s a proud feeling to represent India and I feel lucky to get that opportunity. I want to make the most of the opportunity and live up to the expectation of my coaches and family.”
