Paralympics 2024: Manasi Joshi falls to misjudgement, knocked out

One of the biggest upsets of the Paralympics 2024 came on Friday in Paris when Manasi Joshi, one of the most famous para-shuttlers in the world and the current World No. 3, was eliminated after her defeat to Ukraine's Oksana Kozyna.

Despite making a terrific start to the match against an opponent who could win only thrice in their 12 meetings before Friday's meeting, Manasi's hope for her maiden Paralympics medal fizzled out.

Manasi came close to pulling off an inspiring win but could not get the better of the Ukrainian shuttler in the Standing Lower 3 (SL3) category women's singles group stage match.

Even though Manasi won the opening game comprehensively, Oksana, the World No. 7, won 10-21, 21-15, 23-21 in 46 minutes.

Poor form meant doubt crept into Manasi's game, and the 36-year-old Indian athlete misjudged Oksana's tosses multiple times in the match, assuming the shuttle would go long.

After winning the opening game, Manasi saw a spirited fightback from Oksana, who maintained her lead for most of the game and forced the decider with her spontaneous retrieval skill and deft placement.

In the deciding third game, Manasi trailed 16-18. Oksana deceived Manasi with a clever drop shot.

Yet, Manasi maintained her calm demeanour and produced a superb smash to make it 19-17. But Oksana found a way to hit a mighty smash to reduce the lead.

Manasi, a multiple-time Worlds medallist, dug deep into her experience and claimed two match points chances.

It was her chance to get her rhythm back after a topsy-turvy season.

But the Indian para-shuttler wasted both match-point chances as her flick went wide and long.

As the intensity of the match increased, the chair umpire issued a warning to Oksana, who opted for quick services to rattle Manasi, who complained of unreadiness.

Oksana, however, remained vigil in the game and drew level at 20-20 as Manasi's shot flew long. Oksana celebrated the point with a yell as she had done throughout the match.

The Indian and Ukrainian shuttlers exchanged errors to make it 21-21. At this level, Oksana did not let off her chance as Manasi misjudged a toss to concede the match point to her opponent.

Poor anticipation meant Manasi's shot hit the net, leaving Oksana in a frenzy and the Indian para-shuttler out of the Paralympics. This was Oksana's fourth win over Manasi in their 13 meetings.

For Manasi, the 2019 World Championships gold medallist, her second consecutive Paralympics campaign ended in despair, as she got eliminated for finishing third in Group A.