New Delhi [India], December 11 (ANI): The Khelo India Para Games, which kicked off on Sunday in Delhi with badminton matches held on the iconic Indira Gandhi Stadium, witnessed one of many youngest members who has made the badminton courtroom her pleased place.
Meet Tulika Jadhao, the 15-year-old from Buldana, Maharashtra – a chirpy teen identical to anybody her age, chatting away continually with fellow compatriots and desperate to get on together with her matches. That she was born with cerebral palsy, a congenital dysfunction affecting motion, muscle tone and posture, doesn’t appear to return in the best way of her dream to signify India someday.
“I started playing badminton just for fun in 2018 but when I watched the Tokyo Paralympics, I was in so much awe. Especially watching Phalak Joshi and Pramod Bhagat was inspiring for me and I too want to become like them one day,” expresses Tulika who received the quarterfinal of girls’s singles within the SL3 class.
She beat Poornima Pandey of Uttar Pradesh 21-6, 21-4 in straight units, as per a press launch from Khelo India Para Games.
But her situation is such that, she is posed with challenges day-after-day. “I play in the SL3 category and it does get difficult because I cannot do much with the right side of my body. Since all my weight falls on one leg, I am often prone to injury too. And due to cerebral palsy, I also have a visual impairment so I play with spectacles which makes it harder to gauge the shuttle,” she explains.
However, taking part in badminton has given Tulika a brand new identification. She says, “When I was younger, people would look at my hand and leg wondering what was wrong with me and that always made me feel different from others. But having taken up badminton, I feel like I can make a new identity for myself. Many of my friends and family are already very excited for me.”Tulika’s dedication to signify India has made her transfer cities, to pursue her coaching. She now lives in Lucknow the place she trains underneath Gaurav Khanna and feels that the ecosystem there induces confidence.
“There are many players with different challenges who train with us and I do not feel different when I am with them. In fact, I feel all the more encouraged to develop as a player,” expressed Tulika.
She believes collaborating within the first-ever Khelo India Para Games is like taking one step ahead in the direction of her aim.
“I am just so excited to be here for the Khelo India Para Games and wear this jersey. It is really a great platform for young people like me to embrace whatever challenge they may have and move forward. I am lucky to have parents who are very supportive and help me every step of the way. I am looking forward to the matches and enjoy every moment of being here,” she concluded. (ANI)