Para-shuttler Mandeep Kaur recounts unconventional switch from arm wrestling ahead of Paris Paralympics [Exclusive]

Asian Para Games bronze medalist Mandeep Kaur, who will represent India in para-badminton at the upcoming Paris Paralympics, has interestingly been a champion arm wrestler in the past.

A three-time arm wrestling gold medallist at the national level, Mandeep switched to para-badminton in 2018 thanks to Tokyo Paralympic bronze medalist Manoj Sarkar who introduced her to the sport.

During an exclusive interaction with Sportskeeda, Mandeep, who became the World No. 1 in the WS SL3 category in March 2023, reflected on her para-badminton journey that began on a small makeshift court in Uttarakhand.

Prior to making a name for herself in para-badminton, Mandeep had taken up arm wrestling inspired by her cousin who was a world champion in the sport. Competing with able-bodied arm wrestlers, Mandeep, whose leg movement is impaired, won the gold medal on three occasions at the national level.

"My cousin was a world champion in arm wrestling and, as such, I wanted to try my hand at the sport as well. I have been a medal winner on three occasions at the national level in arm wrestling," said Mandeep who is supported by the Welspun Group.

"When I took part in the Nationals it was alongside able-bodied athletes – I used to be the only para athlete competing with able bodied players" she disclosed.

While Mandeep Kaur excelled in arm wrestling, an inherent love for badminton was always present since childhood. Playing the sport, however, was not possible owing to prevailing health issues at the time.

"Manoj Sarkar first told me about the sport of para-badminton" - Mandeep Kaur

Mandeep Kaur flanked by members of the Indian para-badminton team

Following surgery in 2018, Mandeep tried playing badminton to ascertain whether or not she would be able to pursue a sport.

"I always liked playing badminton but wasn’t able to play the game initially as I had health issues. After surgery in 2018, I realised that I could walk straight and also play badminton well," she recalled. "The first game that I played after my surgery was badminton to see whether I could play a sport or not."

Mandeep then began to take her para-badminton practice sessions seriously after Manoj Sarkar recommended she attempt taking up the sport.

"Manoj Sarkar first told me about the sport of para-badminton and since then I began pursuing the sport seriously," the girl from Uttarakhand stated.

"I did not have a proper court to practise on when I began playing. We had a small court near my house and that’s where we used to practise," Mandeep Kaur revealed.

The rather unconventional switch from arm wrestling to para-badminton was made possible also owing to the efforts of renowned coach Gaurav Khanna.

"At the time when I used to take part in arm wrestling, Gaurav Khanna Sir was on the look out for para-badminton players. Manoj Sarkar informed him that there was a girl from Uttarakhand who is an arm-wrestler but also likes badminton. That's how things fell into place for me with regard to my para-badminton journey," she said.

"When I took part in the 2018 Nationals, I met Gaurav Khanna at the venue. At the time, he advised me to continue practising and not stop my practise sessions at any cost," Mandeep Kaur added.

When the Gaurav Khanna Excellia Badminton Academy was founded in 2021, Mandeep moved to Lucknow, where she is now based.

The champion para-shuttler did have problems making the switch from arm wrestling to para-badminton early on but eventually got the hang of it.

"I did have problems switching from arm wrestling to badminton, but eventually I did get the hang of it. My uncle incidentally who is an athletics coach encouraged me to take part in para-badminton," Mandeep stated.

Paris-bound Mandeep Kaur recently won bronze in the WS SL3 category at the Four-Nations Para-Badminton International Level 1 tournament in Glasgow even as the Indians bagged a total of 14 medals.