Jamshedpur, Nov 3 : 23-year-old Sanjana Kumari, a bronze medalist at the 5th Asian Para Games held in Japan recently, is very much excited to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in National capital along with entire Indian Asian Para Games contingent on Thursday but nervous as well.
I am very much excited and nervous as well to think what would I say when I meet PM for the first time on November 5 in Delhi, para shuttler Sanjana, who lost to Japan’s Shino Kawai in the semi-final in two straight set, said.
Sanjana, who was accompanied by her parents, said I would certainly request the PM Modi to suport para sportspersons. I am really excited to hand over a gift I prepared for the PM, if I get a chance, she added.
Sanjana also urged the Jharkhand government to support the para athletes winning laurel at national and international arena.
Making her debut in the Asian Para Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from October 16 to 23 last, Sanjana lost to Shino Kawai in the women’s single SL3 category event 7-21, 9-21.
Prime Minister Modi had extended his greetings and congratulated Sanjana Kumari for making her mark and winning a Bronze Medal in the Women’s Singles SL3 Para Badminton event at the Asian Para Games.
Modi had stated that he is proud of her achievement, expressing hope that she continues to excel in the years ahead.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office shared:
“Sanjana Kumari makes her mark at the Asian Para Games! Proud of her for winning a Bronze Medal in the Women’s Singles SL3 Para Badminton event. May she continue to excel in the years ahead: PM @narendramodi”
Despite a challenging contest, Sanjana’s incredible journey to the podium reflected her hardwork, dedication and never-give-up spirit, said the Chairman of Para Badminton (India) K Prabhakar Rao said.
Though she missed out a berth in final but she has enough potential to improve in the next para olympic games, Rao, who is also the Joint Secretary of Badminton Association of India and Secretary of Jharkhand Badminton Association.
When she first came to take up badminton in 2021, Rao said he did not expect Sanjana to pursue the game for long as she could not even tie her shoe lace.
I had personally fastened her lace and motivated, Rao said admitting that Sanjana had worked hard and improved herself overlooking her physical challenges.
I am very much confident that Sanjana would grab a medal in the next para olympic games, he said while assuring all possible assistance for her better training.
Hailed from Jharkhand’s Lohardaga district, Sanjana was felicitated by Badminton Association of East Singhbhum at a function and cash award of Rs.21,000/- for making the state and country proud by winning bronze medal.
Presiding over the function, BAES President Rupesh Katiyar said it is really a great achievement of Sanjana, who made Jharkhand and the country proud.
If Sanjana can win accolade at international arena, why not you, Katiyar asked the general category cadets undergoing training at Tata Steel Badminton centre.
He urged the budding shuttlers to workhard, maintain discipline and focus on your goal to achieve it.
Sanjana’s father, Ratan Kumar, however, regretted that despite winning a medal in the Asian Para Games, none has wished her as yet.
To a query whether Sanjana get any support from Jharkhand Government, Kumar, an ex-armyman, said she did not get any support as yet.
No greetings from the state government yet despite Sanjana, who stated to be the second para sportsperson from Jharkhand to win a medal in Asian Para games, won the bronze medal, Kumar lamented.
Kumar said he had spent money from own pocket even after retirement. Had she been appreciated by the government, it would have motivated her further.
Kumar, however, confident that Jharkhand government will certainly support Sanjana, who had developed physical problem in her left hand and leg since childhood.
Tata Steel Chief (Sports) Mukul Vinayak Chaudhary also graced the occasion as Chief Guest while BAES General Secretary Ranjay Rai and Vice-President Arun Singh and Tata Steel Badminton Chief Coach Vivek Sharma, among others, have present on the occasion.
