Dream on. Dreams do come true. For others, these may be words of encouragement. For Manasi Joshi, however, they are much more. These words define her life in a way.
Sample this. “When I was trying to make a comeback to sport and make a career out of it, these words were a constant source of support,” she said. “As a para-athlete, I had my own share of challenges. Life wasn’t easy. But that’s what it is all about. To be able to fight. To overcome adversity. Dream on, as Sachin Tendulkar says. For dreams do come true. And, may I say, they have.”
She went on to add, “I have been a fan of Sachin since childhood. My sister and I used to play cricket, and growing up in Mumbai, it was but natural that we would all be Sachin fans. We’d idolise him and try to emulate him. When I was in college, we had as a group bought tickets to go and watch Sachin play for the Mumbai Indians at Navi Mumbai. In fact, an entire stand was full of Sachin fans and we were all screaming ‘Sachinnn, Sachinnn’ right through the game. The next morning, we were an entire class full of students who had lost their voice. It was funny.
For the Latest Sports News: Click Here
“Sport and, may I say, Sachin has inspired me to become who I am. Play sport by overcoming all the challenges that life had thrown at me. Urged me to dream on, for dreams do come true. As I get ready for Paris 2024, which will be the greatest stage of my life, this mantra will stay with me. I will continue to dream. For I know dreams do come true.”
The best part about Manasi is that she is forthright. For many, outspoken. She will never hesitate to call a spade a spade. That’s why she says very clearly, “Don’t say our stories are great. Pay us. We need support in exactly the same way that able-bodied athletes do. That’s because we are all athletes. The difference is they are able-bodied and we have some form of disability.”
I remember speaking to Manasi almost every day when she missed out on Tokyo. She was heartbroken. It was a dream that lay shattered, and she knew she would have an opportunity three years down the line. And this time round, she was determined to make it count. Be there and win a medal for India. The only medal missing from her illustrious repertoire is the Paralympic one, and it will complete her as an athlete.
With Pramod Bhagat not there in Paris, one will need every other star – Manasi, Suhas, Sukant, Palak, Krishna – to step up for India. Badminton is expected to give India a significant share of its medals, and Manasi will have to be at her best to fulfil the promises. Knowing her, she will leave nothing to chance. Having worked the hardest she can, she is ready. Ready for the biggest stage of her life, and ready to give it her all. With three days to go for the start of the Paralympics, she will soon get her opportunity.
Also Read: Punjab FC eye upset against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in Durand Cup Quarterfinals