Indian para-badminton star Manasi Joshi has reignited an important conversation about the disparity in sports funding in India, highlighting the pressing need for greater support for para-athletes. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Joshi made a strong call to the Indian government, urging them to divert some of the funds currently allocated to cricket to the para-sports sector. In her tweet, she stated, "Cricket ka thoda funding para sports mein daalo plz. Hum better results dete hai," which translates to, “Give some funding from cricket to us in para-sports. We’ll give better results.”
Joshi’s statement is not just a plea for financial support but a reflection of the struggles para-sports continue to face in India. Despite the significant achievements of Indian para-athletes, funding for these sports is far behind that of cricket, which dominates the sports landscape in India. Joshi's appeal comes at a time when India's para-athletes have been making remarkable strides on the global stage, most notably during the 2024 Paralympics in France. The Indian contingent at the games delivered an impressive performance, securing a record-breaking 29 medals, including seven golds, nine silvers, and 13 bronzes, which is India's highest-ever medal tally at the Paralympics. This achievement surpasses their previous best of 19 medals at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, underscoring the potential for growth and success in para-sports.
Despite these successes, the para-sports sector in India continues to struggle with limited resources and recognition. Joshi’s message highlights a critical issue: while cricket receives vast amounts of funding and attention, para-sports remain underfunded, making it difficult for para-athletes to reach their full potential. The disparity in funding and infrastructure between the two sectors has hindered the growth of para-sports and the development of world-class para-athletes in India.
Manasi Joshi, who herself is an inspiration, knows this struggle firsthand. A former world champion in the women’s singles SL3 category, Joshi's journey to success has been nothing short of extraordinary. In 2011, Joshi lost her left leg in a road accident, but she didn’t let that define her. Instead, she turned adversity into triumph, rising to become one of the top para-badminton players in the world. She is currently ranked seventh in the SL3 category and second in the SL3-SU5 section. Her resilience, determination, and achievements have made her one of the most recognizable faces in Indian para-sports.
In recognition of her achievements, Joshi was named among BBC’s 100 most powerful women in 2020, a testament to her impact both in the sports world and beyond. Her call for more funding for para-sports is not just about securing better resources for herself but about giving all para-athletes the opportunity to thrive. Joshi's story is a reminder of the untapped potential within Indian sports, and her plea for increased funding serves as a call to action for a more equitable distribution of resources.
Para-sports in India have proven time and again that with the right support, athletes can achieve greatness on the world stage. Joshi’s message emphasizes the need for the Indian government to recognize the contributions and potential of para-athletes and to provide them with the necessary funding and infrastructure to continue excelling. By investing in para-sports, India can unlock even greater achievements and foster a more inclusive sports culture that celebrates athletes of all abilities.
