Suhas LY: The Inspirational Journey of a Para-Badminton Champion

Suhas LY, a para-badminton player and 2007 batch IAS officer, is preparing for success at the upcoming Paralympic Games in Paris. Currently ranked world No.1, Suhas has balanced his civil service duties and sports aspirations with the support of his family. He aims to inspire through his dedication and achievements.

Suhas LY, with his sights set firmly on a top-podium finish in Paris after missing out on gold in the last edition of the Paralympic Games, is epitomizing determination and resilience. The para-badminton player is striving to bring joy to his family, who have made numerous sacrifices for his dream over the past three years.

A member of the 2007 IAS batch, Suhas clinched silver in the SL-4 category at the Tokyo Paralympics. During the challenging Covid period, he served as the District Magistrate of Gautam Buddh Nagar and was also the DM of Prayagraj. Currently, Suhas is the secretary and director-general of Youth Welfare and Prantiya Rakshak Dal under the Uttar Pradesh government.

A recipient of the Arjuna Award, Suhas acknowledges the tough journey to reach the pinnacle of his sport. He has dedicated substantial time to badminton alongside his bureaucratic responsibilities, driven by an unwavering commitment to his athletic goals.

In an interview with PTI, Suhas shared the essence of his journey, emphasizing the sacrifices made in his personal life and the balance he strives to maintain between his professional duties and sports aspirations. Married to PCS officer Ritu Suhas, who is posted as ADM in Ghaziabad, he credits his family, including their two young children, as his ultimate support system.

Remarkably, Suhas is currently ranked world No.1 in his category but remains focused on not succumbing to pressure. His pragmatic approach towards the games involves taking each match one step at a time, appreciating the process, and staying grounded. His journey from focusing on studies post-disability to embracing sports as a mission in life exemplifies his inspiring spirit.

As Suhas gears up to perform in the Paralympics, he hopes his story will inspire many, reflecting on the belief that efforts yield results over time. His family's unwavering support, combined with his dedication, forms the backbone of his remarkable achievements in para badminton.

(With inputs from agencies.)