Some experiences transcend words, and my journey to the Paris Paralympics is one of them. But here’s my attempt to share the whirlwind of emotions and moments that made it unforgettable.
Finding Out I Made the Team
I was in the car with my coaching team, en route to a tournament in Austria, when I received the text that changed everything—I had been selected for the Paralympic team and was heading to Paris! At first, I couldn’t believe it. I asked for confirmation more than once, and when it finally sunk in, tears of joy and relief streamed down my face.
As a professional tennis player, the sacrifices—both personal and financial—are immense. After months of relentless training and competing, this moment felt like a weight lifting off of my shoulders. It was the culmination of hard work, not just mine but also my coaching team’s. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I could truly breathe.

The Roland Garros Venue
No amount of videos or daydreams could have prepared me for the overwhelming pride and joy I felt when I stepped onto the grounds of Roland Garros. The iconic venue, home to one of the four Grand Slams, became our playground for a week before the competition. With the courts and facilities entirely to ourselves, we had the freedom to explore, practice, and settle into the locker rooms. What a dream!

Training on the Suzanne Lenglen Court
One morning, I was told I’d be training on the Suzanne Lenglen Court. Just me and our team coach on one of the most prestigious courts in the world. I felt like a child in a toy store—completely in awe. It was a magical moment, and one I’ll carry with me forever. What a dream!

The Opening Ceremony
Wow. The opening ceremony was an experience etched into my heart. Seeing my family and friends in the crowd and thousands of people cheering was overwhelming. My first Paralympics in Tokyo had no spectators due to restrictions, so to experience this electrifying atmosphere was a dream!


The Athletes' Village
The athletes’ village was its own inspiring world—a mini-town buzzing with the best athletes from around the globe. The energy was contagious, with everyone focused yet excited. One of the highlights was interacting with athletes from different sports, sharing updates each evening, and celebrating medalists as they returned. Being surrounded by such determination and camaraderie was exactly what I needed during such a high-pressure time.
My Matches
Our first match was doubles against the home team, France. Winning against the home team on their turf was exhilarating, and hitting the final drop shot to clinch the match, with my family cheering in the stands, was one of my favourite moments of the Games. What a dream!
The next day, I faced the world No. 2 in singles—a monumental challenge. Despite the odds, I went into the match determined to give it my all and savour every moment.
My final match representing my country was on the Philippe Chatrier Court—an honour I’ll never forget. Competing on the world’s biggest and most prestigious tennis stage, with a full crowd, cameras, and lights, was surreal. For someone used to playing at local clubs with a handful of spectators, this was a heart-stopping moment. While I didn’t win, playing against one of the best in the world on such a stage felt like living my dream.


Saying Goodbye
Paris marked the end of my Paralympic journey, and I couldn’t have asked for a better conclusion. I leave the sport as a proud two-time Paralympian. While I don’t have medals to show, the title of Paralympian is more than enough. It reflects the hard work, sacrifices, and determination that brought me here.

Ending my journey on center court at Roland Garros feels like the perfect finale.
To Paris, thank you for making my childhood dreams a reality.
To my family and team, thank you for believing in me every step of the way.
Keep shining,
MV

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