In the world of sports, few stories are as motivational as that of Abhinav Manota, a young badminton player who has risen from humble beginnings in India to become a dominant force in New Zealand badminton. His journey is one that inspires with its themes of dedication, resilience, and a burning passion for the sport.
A Punjab state badminton champion back in 2012, Manota’s story took a surprising turn when he moved to New Zealand in 2014 to pursue his studies. While many thought he was leaving his badminton dreams behind, Abhinav proved them wrong, achieving extraordinary success and becoming a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes worldwide.
From India to New Zealand: A Journey of Determination
Abhinav Manota was born on April 7, 1992, in India, where Abhinav Manota developed his early passion for badminton. His prowess in the sport was evident when he became the Punjab state singles champion in 2012. However, despite his early success, Manota faced setbacks in national and international tournaments. After disappointing performances at the Indian Nationals and the Syed Modi Grand Prix, his career in India seemed to stall.
In 2014, seeking new opportunities, Abhinav Manota moved to Christchurch, New Zealand, to study for a Diploma in Business and Enterprise Management at the Abacus Institute of Studies. His move was initially seen as a step away from his sporting ambitions.
But, as fate would have it, New Zealand was where his badminton career truly blossomed. Upon settling in Christchurch, Abhinav Manota began playing with the Badminton Canterbury team, reigniting his competitive drive. It was in New Zealand that he met Dylan Soedjasa, a pivotal figure in his journey, and together they forged a partnership that would soon take the badminton world by storm.
The Road to Success: Titles and Triumphs
Abhinav Manota’s perseverance soon paid off. In 2017, Abhinav Manota made headlines by winning the New Zealand men’s singles badminton championship, and this was just the beginning of his meteoric rise.
Over the years, Abhinav Manota has claimed four Oceania Championship titles, two in men’s singles and two in men’s doubles, cementing his status as one of New Zealand’s top badminton talents. His dedication to the sport, intense training regimen, and unwavering determination allowed him to dominate the badminton scene in New Zealand.
In the 2021 New Zealand National Championships, Manota showcased his skill and resilience, defeating Edward Lau to secure the men’s singles title. Although Lau retired from the final due to injury, Manota’s impressive lead of 20-4 in the first game demonstrated his dominance. He went on to partner with Justine Villegas in the mixed doubles final, defeating Lau again, this time alongside Alyssa Tagle, with a score of 21-17, 21-17. These victories highlighted his versatility and prowess in both singles and doubles formats.
Despite narrowly missing out on a treble of titles in the men’s doubles final, where he and Soedjasa were defeated in a thrilling 53-minute match by Oscar Guo and Dacmen Vong, Manota’s achievements in the tournament were a testament to his hard work and determination.
The Olympic Dream: Representing New Zealand on the World Stage
Perhaps the crowning achievement of Abhinav Manota’s career came when he qualified for the Tokyo Olympics, representing New Zealand in the men’s singles badminton event. Despite the odds, Manota secured his spot through the Oceania quota and ranked as the 35th player in a draw of 38 singles participants.
This was no small feat, considering he outranked seasoned badminton stars like India’s Kidambi Srikanth. Manota’s qualification marked a significant milestone for New Zealand badminton, as he became the sole player to represent the country at the Tokyo Olympics.
His Olympic journey was not just a personal victory but also a triumph for the sport in New Zealand. It highlighted the importance of diversity in global sports representation, with Manota serving as a symbol of hope and inspiration for players from smaller badminton nations. His participation was made possible by the support of the Badminton World Federation and the International Olympic Committee, both of which have championed the cause of broadening representation in international competitions.
The Unwavering Spirit of a Champion
Manota’s success on the badminton court is built on a foundation of hard work and perseverance. Now working as a Development Officer at the North Shore Badminton Association, he continues to train rigorously, dedicating at least four hours a day to honing his skills. His role in developing young talent at North Harbour and his coaching credentials, including his BWF Level 1 Coaching Qualification, demonstrate his commitment not just to his own success but to the future of badminton in New Zealand.
Speaking about his journey, Manota reflects on the challenges he faced and the determination that fueled his rise: “When I moved to New Zealand, I was balancing my studies and badminton. It wasn’t easy, but I kept pushing. With the support of Badminton New Zealand and people like Dylan, I’ve been able to achieve things I never imagined when I first left India.”
Though he is still a New Zealand resident and unable to represent the country in certain international tournaments like the Commonwealth Games, Manota remains hopeful about the future. He aims to continue participating in international tournaments and hopes to inspire the next generation of badminton players in New Zealand.