Mandeep Kaur has emerged as a shining star in the world of para badminton, embodying resilience, determination, and versatility. Hailing from Haryana, Mandeep’s journey to the top has been marked by overcoming numerous challenges, with a career that spans across two sports and showcases her exceptional athletic abilities.
Before becoming a para badminton sensation, Mandeep was already a celebrated athlete in a different arena — arm wrestling. She won the national arm wrestling championship three times, demonstrating her extraordinary strength and competitive spirit. Her success in arm wrestling laid the foundation for her athletic career, but a new opportunity would soon come her way, shifting her focus to a different sport.
That opportunity came in the form of a phone call from Gaurav Khanna, the head coach of the Indian para badminton team. Recognising her potential, Khanna introduced Mandeep to para badminton, seeing in her the qualities of a champion. Eager to explore this new path, Mandeep took up the challenge and quickly adapted to the demands of the sport.
Mandeep made her para badminton debut at the national level in 2018, participating in her first national championship. Her performance was outstanding, and she won a bronze medal — a remarkable achievement for someone so new to the sport. The early success solidified her commitment to para badminton, and she began training rigorously to excel further.
Her hard work paid off on the international stage as well. In 2023, Mandeep won a silver medal in women’s doubles at the Asian Para Games, partnering with Nitya Sree. This victory was a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her ability to compete at the highest levels of the sport. The silver medal not only added to her growing list of accolades but also established her as one of the top para badminton players in Asia.
Off the court, Mandeep continues to be a vocal advocate for disability rights and sports inclusion. Her journey from a champion arm wrestler to a para badminton star is a testament to her adaptability and perseverance. Now, Mandeep is set to represent India at the Paralympics in Paris 2024, beginning in two days. As she joins the Indian contingent, all eyes will be on her as she aims to bring glory to her country on the world’s biggest stage.