Koshika Devra, a young woman from Tausar village in Rajasthan's Nagaur district, has shown that when willpower is strong, no physical limit can block the path. In just five years on the para badminton court, she has carved out a distinct identity at both national and international levels. At the recently held World Ability Sports Youth Games 2026 in Turkey, she put on a commanding display to win one gold and two silver medals.
Koshika currently lives in Hyderabad, balancing her studies and her sport together. She is a second-year BCom student and is counted among the country's rising para badminton players. Most of her day is spent on the badminton court and in fitness training. To sharpen her results, she practises for 8 to 10 hours every day, and she has kept her mobile phone use limited so her focus stays fully on the game.
Training Alongside Able-Bodied Players
At the academy, Koshika practises with able-bodied players. This gives her the chance to constantly raise her level against the speed and intensity of tough competition. Her father, Rajesh Devra, says she has been drawn to sports since childhood. In her early days, she used to play football.
A Trip to Kerala Changed Her Direction
When she travelled to Kerala with her school team, she watched para badminton players up close for the first time. That was the moment the idea of building a career in the sport took root in her mind. Her family recognised her talent and dedication and stood by her at every turn. She was then sent to Lucknow, where her game blossomed under the guidance of the well-known para badminton coach Gaurav Khanna.
Never Letting a Physical Challenge Become a Weakness
Koshika competes in the SU-5 category. Since childhood, the part of one hand below her wrist did not fully develop, but she never allowed this challenge to become an obstacle in her way. The recognition she enjoys today is entirely the result of her own hard work. That is why she keeps winning medals from the national level right up to the international stage.
A Journey of 15 Medals
So far, Koshika has won a total of 15 medals, including 2 gold, 6 silver and 7 bronze. Among international events, she claimed one gold and two silver at the World Ability Sports Youth Games 2026 in Turkey, one bronze at the Indonesia International Para Badminton 2024, and one silver and one bronze at the Uganda International Para Badminton 2023.
At the national level, she won 1 bronze at the 7th National Para Badminton Championship 2026, and 2 silver and 1 bronze at the Youth National Para Badminton 2025. Beyond that, she bagged 1 bronze at the Khelo India Para Games 2024, 1 silver and 1 bronze at the National Games 2024, and 1 gold and 1 silver at the Para Badminton Championship 2023.
