Who is Sonalben Manubhai Patel?

Para sports have seen a rise in popularity in recent years in India. While it was not much heard of even during the 2000s, the last decade has done wonders for the Indian Para athletes in terms of recognition and success. It helped the Para athletes to perform exceptionally on the national and international stages, including the Tokyo Paralympics and Commonwealth Games 2022.

The credit for the rise of Para sports goes solely to the men and women who have worked hard to make it happen. One of them is Sonalben Manubhai Patel, who has been one of the most consistent Para athletes in India for a long time. However, she has not received much acclaim given her memorable performances, however, she truly broke into the limelight when she won the bronze medal in Para table tennis in Commonwealth Games 2022 in women’s singles classes 3-5 on August 6, 2022.

Also Read: Commonwealth Games 2022: Sonalben Manubhai Patel claims bronze in Para TT

Born on September 15, 1987, in Viramgam, Gujarat, Sonalben was diagnosed with polio in her infancy, when she was only six months old. It affected both of her legs and the right hand, leaving her with a 90% disability. However, she never let it drive her life, which became evident as she grew up.

She finished her schooling at Geeta Higher Secondary School in Ahmedabad. Sonalben wanted to become a teacher, as she liked teaching children. However, she did not get an admission owing to her limitations.

She enrolled in an ITI in 2008, at the Blind Peoples Association in Ahmedabad. One of her teachers at the Blind Peoples Association, Ms Lakhia encouraged Sonalben to try table tennis, which turned out to be the turning point of her life. She began training under Lalan Doshi, initially aiming for fitness. However, her interest in the sport increased soon and a few months later, she participated in the National Sports Meet, finishing in second place.

She soon won a medal at the Para table tennis nationals and went on to participate in as many as 20 international tournaments. Patel won two gold, four silver and six bronze medals in those tournaments and came under the attention of many. Her performance was recognised in 2014 when she became a recipient of the Eklavya Award.

She was part of the Indian contingent that participated in the Commonwealth Games 2010 and Asian Para Games 2010 editions. She reached the quarterfinals in both tournaments, but could not win a medal. However, she reigned supreme soon, winning the silver medal in the women’s doubles event in the Asian Para Games in 2018.

Also Read: CWG 2022: Bhavina Patel wins in women’s Para TT final, hands India 13th gold medal

Sonalben married Ramesh Chaudhary in 2019, who is also a Para paddler and has represented India on the international stages. He is also Sonalben’s mixed doubles partner.

She currently trains under Nilay Vyas and won the bronze medal in the Commonwealth Games 2022. The Para paddler has also won a silver and a bronze medal at the IWAS World Games in her career. The 35-year-old is also a five times national champion.