A Barbie doll has been modelled after Indian Paralympic shuttler Manasi Joshi. On the occasion of the International Day of Girl Child, Barbie celebrates para-badminton champion Manasi Joshi with a one-of-a-kind (OOAK) Barbie doll modelled to her likeness. The brand has chosen to felicitate Manasi who is an inspiration for many young girls and welcomes her to the BARBIE SHEROES family this year.
The one-of-a-kind (OOAK) Barbie dolls celebrate role models – all extraordinary women who inspire girls around the world to be anything they dream to be. With the likes of Frida Kahlo (fine artist), Naomi Osaka (tennis player), Patty Jenkins (filmmaker), Nicola Adams Obe (boxing champion), Ibtihaj Muhammad (fencing champion), Bindi Irwin (conservationist) Madison De Rozario (Wheelchair Racing champion) and Sumeyye Boyaci (Para-Swimming Champion) among many others, Manasi Joshi joins a celebrated and diverse group of SHEROES globally.
Responding to the news, Manasi said, ” It is an honor to be recognized as a Role Model by Barbie. Year-on-year, the brand has been celebrating women who break boundaries and celebrate the struggle and hard work that goes behind them. It makes me proud to be in this league and to be celebrated by having a Barbie doll modeled after me. I believe education around diversity and inclusion should start at a very early age, and having dolls modeled after individuals from all walks of life will surely help young girls look up to these role models and believe that they can truly be anything they want to be on and off the field. I hope to inspire many young girls, to harness their true potential, to fight hard, and become whoever they set out to be.”
She took to Twitter to announce the same. “Thank you @Barbie, it’s incredible to have an OOAK Barbie Doll modeled after me. I believe education around inclusion & diversity should start early & I hope that my story encourages young girls to harness their true potential & become whoever they set out to be,” Manasi tweeted.
Her father also wrote,”As a Kid Manasi used2 love dolls. 2day, Barbie modelled a doll after her- happy tht this generation will come2 knw about her efforts through this doll. @joshimanasi11 I hope with this u make ur way into the hearts of young girls nd make them believe that anything is possible. https://t.co/O3DXEAZ3JR
Meanwhile, she also featured on the cover page of Time magazine. Manasi is the first Para athlete to feature on TIME cover as Next Generation Leaders.
Manasi Joshi is 2019 BWF Para Badminton World Champion and currently holds the place as World No. 2 in SL3 Singles (Women’s Singles). Apart from being a Para-athlete, Manasi is also a software engineer and a change maker – wishing to drive a global shift in para-sport inclusivity and recognition.
Manasi was first introduced to the sport by her father at the age of 6 and over the years, took part in various tournaments representing her schools. In 2011, after recently graduating and starting her first job as a software engineer, Manasi endured a tragic accident that acquired a disability due to her injuries.
Changing her life in a positive way, Manasi used Badminton as part of her rehabilitation process and did not let her accident deter her journey. Manasi began to pursue para-badminton professionally and, in September 2015, Manasi won a Silver Medal in mixed doubles at the Para-Badminton World Championship held in Stoke Mandeville, England.
She continued to dominate the game and in October 2018, she won a Bronze medal at the Asian Para Games 2018, held in Jakarta, Indonesia. She most recently won a Gold medal in the women’s singles (SL3) at the Para-Badminton World Championship 2019 held in Basel, Switzerland.