Nithya Sree Sivan’s journey into the world of para-badminton is a story of passion, resolve, and the power of a supportive community. Growing up in Tamil Nadu, Nithya initially picked up badminton racquet in 2016, playing alongside able-bodied athletes purely for the joy of the game. What began as a fun pastime soon became something much more meaningful. In 2019, she discovered the para-sports community, a revelation that shifted her focus to competitive badminton and changed the course of her life.
Moving to Lucknow to train under the guidance of coach Gaurav Khanna, Nithya embarked on a rigorous journey of self-improvement. With every practice session, she pushed her limits, knowing that her hard work could pave the way to success on the international stage. And indeed, it did. In October 2023, Nithya’s dedication was rewarded with two bronze medals at the Asian Para Games.
But her achievements didn’t stop there. Earlier that year, in April, she triumphed at the Brazil Para Badminton International meet, bringing home two gold medals. The previous year, in May 2022, she had already made her mark by winning gold at the 1st Bahrain Para Badminton International Championships in Manama. And in December 2022, Nithya took the top spot in the women’s singles SH6 category at the Peru Para Badminton International, defeating a Worlds silver medallist.
Despite these accolades, Nithya remains deeply grounded and committed to her goals. After her success at the Asian Para Games, she spoke with RevSportz, revealing just how much the achievement meant to her.
“I want to dedicate this medal to my country,” she said with pride. “This is something I’ve wanted to achieve since the day I started playing badminton. Now, I’m focused on preparing for the Paris Paralympics. I’m going to train even harder, both physically and mentally, because my dream is to win gold.”
Nithya’s approach to mental fitness is just as important as her physical training. She finds strength and energy in the close-knit community she’s built in Lucknow.
“I want to keep my environment happy,” she shared. “I am surrounded by happy people in Lucknow, where we’re not athletes representing different states but a family. They really help me keep mentally fit, they boost my energy and I thank them because they have played a big part in my preparation to get these medals.”
As Nithya prepares for the next chapter in her career, her story is one of resilience, determination, and the quiet power of a supportive community. Her journey from recreational player to international medalist is something we can all take inspiration from.