Thulasimathi Murugesan: Warrior Who Overcame Congenital Deformity And Major Accident to

Top-seed shuttler Thulasimathi Murugesan put up a strong fight in the final of the women’s singles SU5 gold medal match of the Paris Paralympics 2024 before going down to Chinese Qiu Xia Yang on Monday. She thus became the first female para shuttler from India to clinch a silver medal after losing 17-21 10-21.

Thulasimathi has been fighting adversities long before squaring off against opponents on the badminton court. She has a congenital deformity in her left hand which caused the loss of her thumb finger, chronic ulnar neuritis, and muscle atrophy.

If that wasn’t enough, she met with a major accident later in life which further limited the mobility of her left hand, affecting both extension and flexion.

Despite the challenges thrown at her, Thulasi’s began her foray in the world of sports at the tender age of 5, and by 7, she was playing badminton.

• Date of Birth: April 11, 2002
• Residence: Kanchipuram, Tamil Madu
• Event: Para Badminton (Women’s singles SU5 & mixed doubles SL3-SU5)
• Training Base: Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy Hyderabad
• Impairment: Su5 (impairment of the upper limbs. The impairment could be on the playing or non-playing hand).

Her father D. Murugesan provided was her guide throughout her journey as he dedicated five years to train her.

Major Achievements

• Paris Paralympics (2024) – Silver Medal in WS
• Asian Para Games (2022) – Gold Medal in WS
• Asian Para Games (2022) – Silver Medal in WD
• Asian Para Games (2022) – Bronze Medal in WS
• World Championships (2024)- Silver Medal in WD
• 5th Fazza Dubai Para Badminton International (2023) – Gold Medal in WD

Under his tutelage, Thulasi was introduced to parasports, marking a significant turning point in her athletic journey.

One of the most remarkable highlights of Thulasi’s career was at the Canada Para Badminton International 2023 in Ottawa. Partnering with Manisha Ramadass in the doubles SL3-SU5 category, they achieved a historic victory by defeating the reigning Paralympic champions and World No.1 team from Indonesia. This triumph stands out as a profoundly memorable and special moment in Tulasi’s career.

Her dedication and perseverance have earned her numerous medals in the international circuit, underscoring her status as a formidable athlete with boundless potential.