Why in news:

• Eighteen-year-old Aishwin Kaur from Ludhiana has won laurels for the state and the country by winning two medals at the 10th Asia Pacific Deaf Games held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Key Points:

• Her remarkable achievements not only highlight her talent in table tennis but also serve as an inspiring testament to her resilience and determination in overcoming significant challenges.
• Aishwin was born with a hearing disability and diagnosed with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), a rare genetic disorder affecting the nervous system, at the age of six. Despite doctors' bleak predictions regarding her survival, Aishwin's willpower and dedication have propelled her forward.
• Her father, Bikramjit Singh, who works as a state head (Audit) in a financial institution, has been a constant source of support, emphasizing her fierce fighting spirit and commitment to sports despite societal doubts about her abilities due to her disability.
• Aishwin's journey in table tennis began when she received a table tennis table as a gift on her 12th birthday. This sparked her passion for the sport, leading her to seek professional coaching.
• Initially facing challenges in being recognized within sports circles and often excluded from local teams, Aishwin persevered and eventually joined an academy in Gurugram. There, she trains rigorously for nearly eight hours daily, competing alongside over 100 athletes without disabilities.
• Notably, she is the only deaf player in this academy, which has only strengthened her resolve to excel without any special treatment.

Achievements at the Asia Pacific Deaf Games

• At the Asia Pacific Deaf Games, Aishwin made history by becoming the only player from Punjab to secure a podium finish.
• She earned a silver medal in the team event and a bronze medal in women's doubles. Her performance was part of a broader success for the Indian contingent, which showcased exceptional talent across various sports disciplines.
• Aishwin's success at this event adds to her impressive track record. Earlier in July 2023, she won a silver medal in the team event and two bronze medals in individual and doubles categories at the 4th World Deaf Table Tennis Championship held in Taiwan. Additionally, she secured a silver medal in the general category at the Punjab State Ranking Table Tennis Tournament earlier this year.