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Thulasimathi Murugesan, born on April 11, 2002, in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, has emerged as one of India's most promising para-badminton players. In the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympics, Thulasimathi added another feather to her cap by winning a Silver Medal in the Women's Badminton SU5 event. As the top seed, she faced tough competition, ultimately settling for silver after a hard-fought match against China's Yang Qiu Xia, with a score of 21-17, 21-10 in 30 minutes.

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Early Life and Challenges

Thulasimathi's foray into athletics began at the tender age of 5, and by the age of 7, she had already ventured into the world of badminton. However, her path was not without significant obstacles. Born with a congenital deformity in her left hand, which resulted in the loss of her thumb and chronic ulnar neuritis, Thulasimathi faced muscle atrophy and limited mobility. A major accident further restricted the movement of her left hand, making both extension and flexion difficult.

Despite these challenges, Thulasimathi's passion for sports remained undiminished, thanks to the unwavering support and guidance of her father, D. Murugesan. He dedicated five years to training her, introducing her to parasports and marking a pivotal moment in her athletic journey.

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 Achievements and Career Highlights

Thulasimathi's relentless hard work and determination have earned her numerous accolades on the international stage, solidifying her reputation as one of India's top para-badminton players. She has proudly represented the country in various prestigious competitions, showcasing her exceptional skills and bringing home a range of medals. Among her notable achievements are a Gold Medal in Women's Singles, a Silver Medal in Women's Doubles, and a Bronze Medal in Women's Singles at the Asian Para Games 2022. She also secured a Silver Medal in Women's Doubles at the World Championships 2024 and a Gold Medal in Women's Doubles at the 5th Fazza Dubai Para Badminton International 2023. One of the most remarkable highlights of her career occurred at the Canada Para Badminton International 2023 in Ottawa, where she partnered with Manasi Joshi in the doubles SL3-SU5 category. Together, they achieved a historic victory by defeating the reigning Paralympic champions and World No.1 team from Indonesia. This triumph stands as a testament to Thulasimathi's skill, dedication, and unwavering pursuit of excellence.

 

 Government Support and Training

Thulasimathi's journey has been supported by key government interventions, including financial assistance for equipment, training, and competition. She also receives an out-of-pocket allowance under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which has been instrumental in helping her pursue her dreams.

Training at the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad, Thulasimathi continues to hone her skills under the guidance of some of the best coaches in the country. The SU5 category, in which she competes, is for players with impairments in the upper limbs, a challenge that she has turned into a source of strength.

 

 An Inspiration to Many

Thulasimathi Murugesan's story speaks of her unconditional commitment to her sport. Despite the challenges she has faced, her achievements on the international stage are a testament to her talent and determination. As she continues to strive for greatness, Thulasimathi remains focused on her ultimate goal: bringing glory to India!

 

References

INDIAN ATHLETES: PARIS PARALYMPICS 2024 pdf

https://olympics.com/en/news/paris-2024-paralympics-india-badminton-murugesan-ramadass-su5-class-medals

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2051075

Thulasimathi Murugesan

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Santosh Kumar/ Sheetal Angral /Madiha Iqbal

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