Fighting spirit

When news of Covid-19 first surfaced last year, Saisunee Jana, a 2020 Paralympics gold medallist in wheelchair fencing, intuitively felt it would only postpone the mega sporting event for the physically and mentally challenged in Tokyo by a few months.

Unbeknownst to her, the wait would stretch to what would turn out to be a year, dotted with moments of opportunity and epiphany.

While the 45-year-old is over the moon that the Paralympics have finally been confirmed for August, she confessed the prolonged delay had put her on an emotional rollercoaster as she earns her bread and butter from such sporting meets.

While hard knocks in life have made Saisunee tough as nails, Covid-19 was unprecedented.

Physically challenged due to a motorcycle accident at the age of 17, Saisunee’s portfolio is filled with impressive…