'All those sacrifices definitely pay you back' - Mandeep Kaur on switch from arm wrestling to para badminton

Mandeep Kaur won bronze in the 2022 Para Asian Games.

Mandeep Kaur, a rising star in Indian para-badminton, is set to make her Paralympics debut on August 29 at Paris Paralympics 2024 against Nigeria’s Marian Eniola Bolaji.

But do you know Mandeep was not always a para-badminton player—in fact Kaur’s athletic career began with arm wrestling, a sport that posed significant challenges due to her physical condition.

“When I used to compete in arm wrestling, I couldn’t walk properly; I needed to keep my hand on my knee to walk,” she recalls. Despite her success, the lack of Olympic recognition for arm wrestling prompted her to consider other options.

A turning point came in June 2018 when Kaur underwent surgery to align her leg. “It was 2018 June when I had my surgery, and in the next two months with the help of a caliper, I could walk straight,” she explains. This improvement in mobility opened new doors for her.

Inspired by Manoj Sarkar, a renowned para-badminton player from her state, Kaur switched to badminton. “Manoj Sarkar is from my state. He was WR1 when I returned back to my hometown. He inspired me to take up para badminton,” she shares. Her transition was swift and successful, as she clinched a bronze medal at the Nationals in late 2018.

Competing in the SL3 category of para-badminton, Kaur faces unique challenges. “In my category, I think I’ve more disability compared to others participating in the category. They can jump and run, but my leg due to the caliper is always straight. I need to drag my leg for the movement,” she explains. However, she believes her superior stroke play compensates for her limited mobility.

Kaur’s training at Gaurav Khanna’s academy has been crucial to her development. “The academy feels like home,” she says, praising the comprehensive facilities available. Her dedication extends to maintaining a strict diet and training regimen, understanding the impact on her performance.

Reflecting on her journey, Kaur acknowledges the sacrifices made and the support received. “All those sacrifices definitely pay you back,” she notes. She credits her family, coach Gaurav Khanna, and the Welspun Foundation for her success.

“If I achieve significant milestones in my career, it’s thanks to my family, my coach Gaurav Khanna, and the Welspun Foundation, who have been instrumental in supporting my journey since 2021 and enabling me to participate in every tournament I’ve planned.”

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