Spanish Parabadminton International: Manasi Joshi and Sukant Kadam emerge heroes for India

India's outing at the Spanish Parabadminton International proved to be quite fruitful with an abundance of medals- yet another reminder of why para-sports in India deserve attention. Manasi Joshi and Sukant Kadam made it a double delight for India after winning a total of 4 medals between them. Last year, the Indian squad had won a total of 10 medals in this particular tournament and Manasi had been a part of that medal-winning contingent. This year 5th ranked Manasi Joshi remained unbeaten at this week's Spanish International, which presented her the title. She defeated Darunee Henpraiwan 12-21, 21-17, 21-19 first before moving on to win against Asami Yamada ( 21-15, 21-17) and finally beating Katarzyna Ziebek (23-21, 21-18). Apart from that Manasi scooped up two Parabadminton medals in the Women's Doubles and Mixed Doubles categories. She won a Mixed Doubles Bronze in the SL3-SU5 category with Turkish partner Iker Tuzcu. A silver in Women's Doubles (SL3-SU5) completed the triad. Also read: India assured three medals at the 2017 Para-Badminton Championships Sukant Kadam, on the other hand emerged victorious in the only event he took part in, the Men's Singles of the SL4 category- a very fitting end to a fantastic run in the tournament. To top it all off, India's Vikram Kumar added to the medal tally with 2 Bronze medals in the Men's Singles SL3 category and another in the Men's Doubles SL3 SL4 category with Thai partner Chawarat Kitichokwattana. The only player from the contingent who had a relatively tame outing was Sugil Abbas. This Gopichand Academy shuttler lost both his group matches and failed to proceed further to the Main Draw. It is worth noting that the budget this year allocated no money to the promotion of para-sports in the country. With out para-athletes bringing in accolades, it surely is time for the apathy towards para sports to change.