Joshi, who won the world title in the SL3 singles category at the Para Badminton World Championships in Basel last year, will feature on the cover of TIME next week.

The 31-year-old has been chosen by the American weekly news magazine for becoming an advocate for disability rights in India.

Joshi lost her left leg in a car crash in 2011 and has since become a prominent campaigner for people with disabilities in the country.

"Sports helped me break stereotypes," Joshi told TIME.

"I now want to use that experience to be an enabler for others."

Joshi is hoping to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, rescheduled for 2021 and where badminton is due to make its debut on the programme.

"We need role models like Manasi to inspire the next generation and new talent pool of Para athletes in India," PCI President Malik, the only Indian woman to win a medal at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, said.

"In fact not just Para athletes, but especially the women and young girls in India who can identify with her story, her success, her determination, her grit and her never give up attitude.

"It’s like a celebration of the success and recognition of Para sport as mainstream in India. 

"Paralympics in India is a new thing. 

"Now athletes are getting their due; they are getting the respect they deserve and their medals are being celebrated. 

"I am very happy for Manasi and wish her all the best in her future endeavours."