Manoj Sarkar

Started: He took up badminton at age five. In 2011 he began competing in Para badminton. (indusind.com, 01 Jan 2019; thebridge.in, 30 Sep 2018) Reason: "I loved badminton from childhood, but it was never an aim for me. One day, my paternal uncle brought a new badminton set for all my older brothers. I felt bad and hurt, so I took money from my mother and bought a new badminton racket for myself. I made a firm decision that I'll not let my older brothers win against me, and that's how I started playing badminton with full passion and determination. When I was in 11th grade, I was selected to play at the inter-school competition where I met coach D.K. Sen. In the second round, I lost my match, after which he called me and suggested I play in the Para team. I wasn't aware of Para sports at that time, so he explained the scenario to me. He told me if I play Para badminton, I can represent India." (sportsmatik.com, 20 Jan 2020) Ambition: To win a gold medal in singles at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com, 25 Dec 2021) Awards: He was named Para Sportsman of the Year at the 2019 Sportstar Aces Awards in India. (sportstar.thehindu.com, 14 Feb 2019) In 2018 he received the Arjuna Award in India. (newspost.live, 18 Sep 2018) Additional Info: EARLY DAYS He played in non-Para badminton competitions when he was younger. "In 2007, I defeated 22 [non-Para] kids at my school. Only then, I was picked for the state championship. Even in 2013 I was the first university champion for my college. When I participated in my first [Para badminton] nationals, I won many matches because everything seemed very casual to me. But things have changed, many countries are involved in the sport, training has been improved and the level of play is on great heights." (hindustantimes.com, 02 Apr 2022; BWF TV YouTube channel, 21 Jun 2021; sportsmatik.com, 20 Jan 2020)