Indian para-shuttler Manoj Sarkar achieves top spot in world rankings

After a memorable 2017, the new year has started on a positive note for Indian badminton and especially so for para-shuttler Manoj Sarkar, who achieved the World No. 1 spot in the latest update of the BWF Para-Badminton rankings after a scintillating run on the circuit.

It is the first time in his career that he has reached the top of the charts in the SL 3 category and speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda, he expressed his delight on the feat and vowed to hold on to the numero uno spot for as long as he could.

"It is an incredible feeling," he said. "I had been ranked World No. 2 for a long time and I'm delighted that I have finally managed to achieve the top rank."

The achievement was made sweeter by the fact that he received the news on Friday, which also happens to be his birthday. The now 28-year-old stated, "It is the best birthday gift one could get. I would like to thank my parents, my coach and GoSports Foundation for the role they have played in my success."

It was only in 2011 that Sarkar played in the Nationals for the first time, where he clinched gold and bronze medals in the singles and doubles categories respectively. He won gold at the 2013 World Championships as well, where he won two medals which includes a gold in the doubles section.

In the previous year, he had successful runs in Uganda, Japan and Thailand before winning a silver medal at the World Championships in Korea in November.

"I'm hoping for a strong run in 2018 as well. My focus is on winning gold at the upcoming Asian Games and I will also look to participate in as many tournaments as possible in the coming year," said Sarkar, signing off.