India, April 11 -- A few years ago, it was a struggle for 64-year-old Nirmal Sahdev to sit for extended periods. Cut to today, and she badminton like a pro, even wining a bronze medal at a recent state-level competition.

But back in 2021, the retired banker - who was already dealing with rheumatoid arthritis - was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative Parkinson's disease. Since it leads to motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and slow movement, her doctors advised Nirmal to take up a sport to keep her joints healthy.

"My children play badminton, and my doctor was aware of this. He suggested I take it up as well," she says, adding that she promptly joined a badminton academy in Pitampura, Delhi. Initially, Nirmal could barely put on ...