Manasi Joshi does not do normal – the Indian Para shuttler continues to break new ground as she takes steps forward on her road to the Paralympic Games in Tokyo next year.

The Standing Lower (SL3) world champion recently featured on a podcast shining light on gender and disability rights and was also named a Next Generation Leader by TIME magazine – the first Para athlete to get the honour.

To top it all off, a Barbie Doll modelled after her was released on 11 October to coincide with the International Day of Girl Child.

“I feel proud and responsible for being the voice of an underrepresented community, not just in India, but across the world,” Joshi, also BBC India’s 2020 Sportswoman of the Year, told BWF.

“To be the first Indian and Para athlete in the world recognised on TIME’s list as an advocate of rights of People with Disability is a great achievement.

“I’m glad my sport is helping amplify my voice. I will use this newfound responsibility with care and use my time and energy for the betterment of self and society.”

On being featured on TIME, the 31-year-old said: “I hope seeing a disabled athlete on the cover will change a lot of perceptions surrounding disability and Para sports in India as well as the world.

“I’m honoured to be called a leader and to share space with other individuals chosen as the best in their respective fields.”

With her own Barbie, Joshi joins Australian Paralympic medallist Madison De Rozario and Turkish Para swimmer Sumeyye Boyaci among extraordinary women who inspire girls around the world.

“It’s incredible to have a Barbie modelled after me. I’m honoured to be in this league of role models and join other empowering women who have made young girls believe they can be anything they want to be.”

Keep doing great things Manasi!

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