Bhavina Patel

Picture Credit: Twitter

India's para Table Tennis player Bhavina Patel is through to the knockouts at Tokyo 2020 Paralympics after defeating Megan Shackleton of Great Britain 3-1 in a thrilling women's singles match. Patel has won a number of gold and silver medals in national and international competitions. The 34-year-old paddler has represented India in many international tournaments and has won numerous medals for the country.

Here's all you need to know about Bhavina Patel:

Name: Bhavina Hasmukhbhai Patel

Born on: 6 November 1986

Birth place: Mehsana, Gujarat, India

Hails from: Assam

Profession: Para table tennis player

Coach: Lalan Doshi

Height: 5.4 Feet

Weight: 55 kg

Achievements:

Bhavina has represented India in 28 international tournaments, including the world championships, the Thailand and Japan Open. The 34-year-old has won five gold, 13 silver and eight bronze medals. She is currently ranked eighth in the world.

Bhavina reached the ranking of World Number 2 by winning Silver Medal for India in The Individual Category at the PTT Thailand Table Tennis Championship in 2011. In October 2013, Patel had won the silver medal in the women’s singles Class 4 at the Asian Para table tennis championships in Beijing. Bhavina also won the Bronze Medal in International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Asian Para Table Tennis Championship in 2017 in Beijing, China. Notably, Bhavina is a recipient of the Sardar Patel and Eklavya Award.

3 Facts about Bhavina Patel:

1.) In the year 2004, Bhavina Patel moved to Ahmedabad from her native village Sundhiya in Mahesana district of Gujarat.

2.) Bhavina Patel was subjected to a financial crisis as yet another obstacle in her challenging journey. Ahmedabad-based organisation Blind People’s Association (BPA) came to her rescue as they extended support to the para-athlete.

3.)  Bhavina recently got a job with the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) in the sports quota.

Inspirational Words by Bhavina

Bhavina believes a sportsperson’s strength lies in the mind, not the body.

“You need to train your mind to be victorious. Then everything falls into place. Whether you are disabled or not, I would give the same advice: Never ever underestimate yourself. Each one has a unique talent, which can be brought out and honed,” Bhavina says.