Manjusha Kanwar receives Dhyan Chand Award 2023
It was a heartening news for Sector-50 as its resident, Manjusha Kanwar (A-75, Sector-50), was honoured on 09 January with Dhyan Chand Award (Lifetime) 2023 by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, in recognition of her excellence in badminton. Her notable achievements include a gold medal at the 2004 Asian Games in Islamabad and a bronze at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur. Her outstanding contribution is not only for the achievements but also acknowledges her role in inspiring aspiring badminton players across the nation. The award stands as a testament to her dedication and the mark she has left on the history of Indian badminton.
At international level, Manjusha represented India for 12 years, from 1991 to 2004. Apart from the above, she was Women’s Team Captain in UBER Cup (Singapore, 1994); represented India in 4 World Championships (1993–2001); played three All England Championships (1998–2000); winner ladies singles in Toulouse Open (France, 1991); winner ladies singles in Dubai & Abu Dhabi Invitation Tournament (1994); gold medal in SAF Games Team Championship and silver medal in doubles and mixed doubles (2004); gold medal in SAARC Team Championships (1998, 1997, 1996); runners up ladies singles in New Zealand Open 1999; quarter finalist ladies singles, Australia Open 1999; quarter finalist, ladies singles and doubles, India Open 1997.
Participated in international tournaments including Danish Open, Swedish Open, French Open, Swiss Open, Malaysia Open, Thai Open and India Open (1991–2001).
At national level her achievements are – Sr. National Champion, Women’s Singles (1997, 1994, 1993, 1992); Sr. National Champion, Women’s Doubles (1999, 1997, 1993, 1992); Sr. National Champion, Mixed Doubles (1999, 2000); National Games Gold Medal: Singles and Doubles (1994); Jr. National Champion: Girls doubles and Mixed doubles (1987, 1988); Sub-Jr. National Champion: Girls doubles (1985).
Manjusha has 20 years of rich work experience in various roles in sports/HR at Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. IOC held a glittering ceremony in Pune to felicitate her on receiving the award.
We wanted to know about her journey, and at what age she started. Manjusha told us, “I started playing badminton in Pune. My first coach and mentor was Vasant Gore, a simple coach who taught me not only badminton but also life skills. My parents and brother gave me all the support and so did my husband Ajay Kanwar, after marriage; he was also an international badminton player. My parents and also grandmother provided vital support which enabled me to concentrate only on the game. I could complete my graduation and MBA after my daughter was born!”
“Now, I am happy that Ajay has taken the dream forward by creating a badminton school along with his team.”
