Palak Kohli, a 21-year-old para-badminton athlete from Jalandhar, India, is making headlines as she prepares for the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Her journey is not just one of personal achievement but a testament to resilience and the growing recognition of para sports in India. Born on August 12, 2002, Kohli faced significant health challenges early in her life, including a diagnosis of a bone tumour that threatened to derail her athletic aspirations.
Overcoming Adversity
Kohli’s introduction to para badminton came through a chance meeting with coach Gaurav Khanna in 2016. Despite being discouraged from pursuing sports during her school years, she found her passion for badminton. However, her path took a challenging turn when she underwent emergency surgery for a bone tumour on her left ankle in June 2022. This surgery not only impacted her physically but also raised concerns about her future in sports. Kohli recalls the difficult conversations with her coach, who advised against returning to play due to her deteriorating health.
Despite these setbacks, Kohli’s tenacity shone through. After recovering from surgery, she faced the challenge of adapting to a new category in para badminton due to changes in her physical condition. She transitioned from the SU5 category (for athletes with upper limb impairments) to the SL4 category (for those with lower limb impairments). In April 2023, she made a triumphant return to the international circuit at the Brazil Para Badminton International, where she won bronze medals in both singles and doubles.
Since then, Kohli has continued to excel, amassing an impressive collection of medals across various international tournaments. Her achievements include one gold, one silver, and nine bronze medals in just nine events since her comeback. Notably, she also secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Para-Badminton World Championships in Pattaya, Thailand—her first medal at this level and a significant milestone for Indian para badminton.
Inspiring Future Generations
Kohli’s journey is not solely about personal triumph; it serves as an inspiration for many young athletes with disabilities. She actively promotes awareness about para sports and encourages others to pursue their passions regardless of their physical challenges. Her story reflects the power of perseverance and the importance of support systems in sports.
Kohli’s determination is evident as she prepares for the Paris Paralympics. She is currently ranked sixth in the SL4 singles category qualification race and is focused on improving her game ahead of the competition. “Everybody knows that I have a disability in my left arm as well as my left leg,” she states. “They mostly target my backhand side. It’s more tough for me but I’m definitely working on this.”
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we celebrate Palak Kohli’s incredible journey and commend her role in elevating para badminton in India. Her story exemplifies how sports can transcend barriers and inspire change within communities. We believe that narratives like hers foster empathy and understanding, encouraging dialogue about inclusivity and support for athletes with disabilities. In a world often divided by differences, Kohli’s achievements remind us of the power of kindness and determination.
As we reflect on Palak’s inspiring journey, we invite our readers to consider: What role do you think community support plays in helping athletes overcome their challenges? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
