"This silver is for my first coach" - Thulasimathi Murugesan dedicates Paralympic medal to her father, opens up on missing gold [Exclusive]
Thulasimathi Murugesan became the first Indian female para-shuttler to win a Paralympic medal at Paris Paralympics 2024. But for this rising star to achieve such a feat after only competing professionally for over a year is truly unparalleled.
It was in 2023 that Murugesan took to para-badminton and now she is one proud Paralympic medalist. Her accomplishment would not be possible without her father. Thulasimathi Murugesan was in conversation with Sportskeeda at the felicitation ceremony of the triumphant Paralympians in Delhi.
"I am short of words! This medal is for my first coach, my dad. He was the one who made me fall in love with badminton. He has gone through such struggles financially, emotionally, and physically to make me reach this level. I used to call him before every match and that gave me faith," said Thulasimathi.
The 22-year-old is in disbelief that she has reached such a pinnacle in just a year. Murugesan feels her 'hard work' and 'focus' helped her succeed in the most challenging situations.
"When I think that it was just last year that I started playing para-badminton, I feel absolutely surreal. To get to where I am at today makes me feel extremely happy. I feel if you are focused on your dreams and put in the work, nothing else matters. Standing on the podium in Paris was a result of my dedication," she expressed.
"I needed to be more patient" - Thulasimathi Murugesan reflects back on what went wrong in the final
Thulasimathi Murugesan is ecstatic with her second-place finish but is not letting complacency reek in. She understands she could have done more in the final to win the coveted gold.
Murugesan has taken lessons from her loss to China's Qiu Xia Yang in the final and feels 'patience' is a huge takeaway.
"I played against the same opponent in Asian Para Games and defeated her there when no one could. I just needed to be more patient in the final. I will now make it a point that I identify my mistakes and make sure to never repeat those foing forward," he said.
The Tamil Nadu-born player has the gift of sporting talent in her but that won't deter her from pursuing academics. Murugesan aspires to be a veterinary doctor and is keen on getting back to studies.
"Right now I am also studying veterinary medicine. My ambition is to give all my heart to that as well and train badminton with equal dedication. Once the next tournament comes up, I will ensure I do well there too as I did in Paris," concluded Thulasimathi.
With such a level-headed mind, Thulasimathi Murugesan shall continue to progress and achieve much greater heights. This young sporting sensation is certain to become a household name in the years to come.