Tamil Nadu girl Jerlin Anika won the gold medal in the World Deaf Youth Badminton Championship in Taipei on July 17-22. Anika won four medals in the tournament, one bronze, two silver and a gold. She is just 15 years old and a student of class 10 in a government school in Madurai. Her father, Jeya Ratchagan, said that his daughter's performance is a matter of pride for the country and the state of Tamil Nadu. He said Anika started learning badminton from the age of eight.
According to Anika's mother, Leema, the government helped her a lot, and she believes Anika has a lot of potential. She said, "I felt very happy when she got the gold medal. It is not only for her but for the country and Tamil Nadu. I cried when I saw India's flag being unfurled at the medals ceremony. Now, I urge the government to come forward and help this young sportsperson."
She has been winning medals internationally for some time now. She made the country proud last year in Malaysia too by winning two silver medals and a bronze in the 5th Asia pacific deaf badminton championship. We are proud of you Anika, more power to you and hope you shine in the field you have chosen.
