In the realm of Nepal’s badminton scene, a name that stands out above the rest is Rashila Maharjan. At just 18 years old, Maharjan has established herself as an unbeatable force in badminton following her remarkable gold medal win in the senior category during the 8th National Games in the Lumbini Province in May 2019.

Hailing from Lalitpur, Maharjan has swiftly risen through the ranks, securing titles and accolades. The captivating journey of this young prodigy who has captured the hearts of many with her skill, dedication, and unwavering passion for badminton.

The love for badminton was instilled in Maharjan at the tender age of seven when she witnessed her father, Rajesh Maharjan, engage in friendly matches with his friends every morning. Fascinated by the sport, she eagerly tagged along to watch Rajesh play.

“I actively took part in extracurricular activities in school. I did everything—from dancing and singing to all kinds of sports. As I found them fun, I did think about pursuing one of these activities seriously,” says Maharjan. Little did she know that her destiny would be intertwined with the shuttlecock and racket.

As Maharjan started spending a lot of time playing badminton, her skills in the sport grew. Recognising her burgeoning talent, one of her father’s friends, Birendra Shrestha, a member of the Nepal Badminton Association, introduced her to the world of professional badminton.

At age nine, she joined the Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) programme. The rigorous training sessions posed challenges, and Maharjan admitted to moments when she contemplated giving up. However, her father’s unwavering support and encouragement spurred her on. “My dad’s unyielding support was the one thing that encouraged me to keep going and not give up. That is the main reason why I continued playing,” states Maharjan.

Maharjan’s relentless dedication and continuous improvement led her to international competitions at a remarkably young age. At 13, she represented Nepal in the Asian Games held in Indonesia in 2018. She showcased her skills in team games against the Maldives and played doubles with Amita Giri against South Korea. She earned a bronze medal in the team events during the 13th SAF Games held in Nepal.

Her exceptional performance during these matches caught the attention of Badminton Asia, the governing body for the sport in Asia (under the flagship of the Badminton World Federation). The organisation awarded her and Prince Dahal, the top-ranked men’s junior player in Nepal, an Olympic scholarship—which was a significant step toward fulfilling her dream of playing at the Olympics.

As of July 2, she is ranked 159 in singles and 414 in doubles in the Badminton Junior World Rankings.

However, for Maharjan, the real victory lies not in the titles but in the invaluable experiences and personal growth she has gone through because of the sport. She states that by now, badminton has become a part of her identity.

Beyond the accolades and victories, Maharjan remains humble and grounded. “All this for me is, of course, a dream come true,” she admits, adding that badminton has become more than just a sport for her. It has become an integral part of her identity. Even in the future, she vows to continue playing badminton, regardless of whether she participates in tournaments. The sport has opened doors, shown her the world, and instilled a deep respect for sportspersons and sports in general.

While the teen player continues to make waves in the badminton world, she envisions a future beyond the sport. She aspires to pursue business in the future. Her decision is influenced by the challenges she has faced within the badminton system, including harassment and favouritism. Aware of the limited growth opportunities within Nepali badminton, she wants to pave the way for change and inspire future generations to explore diverse sports and find their passions.

Maharjan concludes with a heartfelt plea for greater engagement in sports among children in the coming years. As Nepal continues to nurture talented athletes like Rashila Maharjan, it is crucial to create an environment that encourages and supports sporting endeavours, enabling young talents to flourish and represent the nation on the global stage.