Sunday, 11 October 2020

Barbie celebrates & welcomes Indian Para-athlete Manasi Joshi to the Barbie SHEROES family

BWF Para- Badminton World Champion, Manasi becomes the first Indian para athlete Role Model to get a one-of-a-kind (OOAK) Barbie doll modelled to her likeness

National Oct 11, 2020: On the occasion of the International Day of Girl Child, Barbie celebrates para-badminton champion Manasi Joshi with a one-of-a-kind (OOAK) Barbie doll modelled to her likeness. The brand has chosen to felicitate Manasi who is an inspiration for many young girls and welcomes her to the BARBIE SHEROES family this year.

The one-of-a-kind (OOAK) Barbie dolls celebrate role models – all extraordinary women who inspire girls around the world to be anything they dream to be.  With the likes of Frida Kahlo (fine artist), Naomi Osaka (tennis player), Patty Jenkins (filmmaker), Nicola Adams Obe (boxing champion), Ibtihaj Muhammad (fencing champion), Bindi Irwin (conservationist) Madison De Rozario (Wheelchair Racing champion) and Sumeyye Boyaci (Para-Swimming Champion) among many others, Manasi Joshi joins a celebrated and diverse group of SHEROES globally. 

Talking about the initiative, Lokesh Kataria, Head of Marketing and Franchise, Mattel Toys India (Pvt) Ltd. said,” Our purpose is to inspire the limitless potential in every girl and this initiative of celebrating Role Models with One-of-a-kind Barbie dolls modelled to their likeness is a step in that direction. We believe that every girl should have the power to conquer her dreams and these role models are the perfect inspiration to help them believe in themselves. Imagining she can be anything is just the beginning. Actually, seeing that she can, makes all the difference! We welcome Manasi to our BARBIE SHEROES family and hope to grow this bigger by the years.”

Talking about her association with Barbie, Manasi Joshi said,” It is an honor to be recognized as a Role Model by Barbie. Year-on-year, the brand has been celebrating women who break boundaries and celebrate the struggle and hard work that goes behind them. It makes me proud to be in this league and to be celebrated by having a Barbie doll modelled after me. I believe education around diversity and inclusion should start at a very early age, and having dolls modelled after individuals from all walks of life will surely help young girls look up to these role models and believe that they can truly be anything they want to be on and off the field. I hope to inspire many young girls, to harness their true potential, to fight hard and become whoever they set out to be.”

In case of any queries, please write to: Shantelle.Pereira@edelman.com

About Barbie & Role Models Program

Founded by Ruth Handler — businesswoman, mom, and pioneer of her time — Barbie has been breaking boundaries and sparking imaginations since her debut. Since 1959, Barbie has been inspiring girls to be anything. From princess to president, astronaut to zoologist, there isn't a plastic ceiling Barbie hasn't broken. Today, with over 200 careers and counting, she continues to inspire the limitless potential in every girl. Barbie is committed to shining a light on empowering role models past and present in an effort to inspire more girls. The brand believes “imagining she can be anything is just the beginning.

Actually, seeing that she can, makes all the difference & with this Barbie introduces girls to women’s stories from all walks of life to show them they can be anything! Visit at www.barbie.com

About Manasi Joshi

Indian Para-athlete Manasi Joshi is 2019 BWF Para Badminton World Champion and currently holds the place as World No. 2 in SL3 Singles (Women’s Singles). Apart from being a Para-athlete, Manasi is also a software engineer and a change maker - wishing to drive a global shift in para-sport inclusivity and recognition.

Manasi was first introduced to the sport by her father at the age of 6 and over the years, took part in various tournaments representing her schools. In 2011, after recently graduating and starting her first job as a software engineer, Manasi endured a tragic accident that acquired disability due to her injuries. Changing her life in a positive way, Manasi used Badminton as part of her rehabilitation process and did not let her accident deter her journey. Manasi began to pursue para-badminton professionally and with sustained focus & dedication, in September 2015, Manasi won a Silver Medal in mixed doubles at the Para-Badminton World Championship held in Stoke Mandeville, England. She continued to dominate the game and in October 2018, she won a Bronze medal at the Asian Para Games 2018, held in Jakarta, Indonesia. She most recently won a Gold medal in the women’s singles (SL3) at the Para-Badminton World Championship 2019 held in Basel, Switzerland.

About Mattel

Mattel is a leading global children’s entertainment company that specializes in design and production of quality toys and consumer products. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic franchises, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, American Girl®, Fisher-Price®, Thomas & Friends® and Mega®, as well as other popular brands that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 40+ locations and sell products in more than 150+ countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and technology companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in exploring the wonder of childhood and empowering kids to reach their full potential. Visit us online at www.mattel.com.

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