Sonalben Patel is an Indian para table tennis player who has participated in many national and international championships. In August 2022, Sonalban came into the spotlight after winning a bronze medal in table tennis at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
Wiki/Biography
Sonalben Manubhai Patel was born on Tuesday, September 15, 1987, in Viramgam, Gujarat, India (35 years old as of 2020). After completing her education from Geeta High School in Gujarat, she studied ITI course from Blind Persons Association (BPA).
appearance
Hair color: black
Eye color: dark brown
family
Sonalben Patel was born in a Gujarati family.
parents
Her father’s name is Manubhai Patel. Her mother’s name is Raghuben Patel.
Sonalben Patel and her parents
husband
Her husband Ramesh Chaudhary is a para-athlete.
Ramesh Chaudhary, husband of Sonalben Patel
Profession
Sonalben Patel says her table tennis journey started when Tejalben Lakhia, director of the Blind Academy (BPA), inspired her to pursue a career in table tennis. Sonalben said in an interview,
I would spend hours staring at the people playing table tennis and now I laugh, it was Tejalben Lakhia, the director of the ITI department who inspired me to play table tennis and pursue a career in table tennis. Immediately after that I started practicing for a few hours. “
Her table tennis career began in 2008 and since then she has participated in more than 25 regional, national and international competitions. As of August 2022, Sonalben Patel has won more than three gold medals, four silver medals and six bronze medals. In 2021, Sonalben Patel was selected by the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games. South Korean table tennis player Lee Mi-kyu defeated Sonalben Patel. She said in an interview,
I didn’t win a medal at the Olympics. But I’m proud to represent my country there. Being selected for the Olympics is a big deal. “
Sonalben Patel at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics
In March 2022, Sonalben Patel participated in the ITTF Fa40 Egypt Open and won two gold medals and one bronze medal.
Sonal Benn Patel (right) displays his medal at the ITTF Fa40 Egypt Disability Open
In 2022, Sonalben Patel participated in the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and defeated British rower Sue Bailey 3-0 to win the women’s singles bronze medal. Sonalben Patel said in an interview,
I’m happy because it’s my first singles medal at the Commonwealth Games. I am very happy. I would like to dedicate this medal to my husband, family, coaches and all my compatriots. I also didn’t win a medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and that’s always stuck in my mind. When I was elected to the CWG, I wanted to win a medal. “
Sonalben Patel competing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games
Sonalben Patel wins table tennis bronze medal at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
Awards
In 2014, the Karnataka government awarded the Eklavya Award to Sonalben Patel.
Sonalben Patel wins Eklavya Award in Karnataka
Facts/Trivia
- Sonalben Patel claimed in an interview that polio affected her legs and right hand when she was only six months old, causing a 90% disability.
- Sonalben Patel said she wanted to pursue a career in teaching but was rejected during interviews due to her disability. She claimed in an interview,
I was rejected and refused to be a teacher all because of my disability which was believed to be the reason for my rejection. “
- Sonalben Patel claims she had no intention of pursuing a career in table tennis and it was her husband who inspired her to take up the sport. Sonalben claimed in an interview,
I originally planned to play table tennis as a hobby. But my husband mentored me, taught me more about the sport, and inspired me to change my mind. Then I took up the sport and became professional. “
Categories: Biography
Source: HIS Education