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Category: Badminton

Indian Para Shuttler Nitesh Kumar Secures Maiden Paralympic Medal

Indian Para Shuttler Nitesh Kumar Secures Maiden Paralympic Medal

By September 1, 2024 0

Indian para shuttler Nitesh Kumar has secured a maiden medal in the men’s singles SL3 category at the Paris Paralympics. The 29-year-old defeated Japan’s Daisuke Fujihara in straight games (21-16, 21-12) in the semifinals on Sunday.

Kumar, who overcame permanent leg damage from a 2009 accident, has been performing consistently and expressed his self-belief in reaching the finals. He said, “I have been performing consistently, so I had the self belief that I will make the finals and it feels amazing to actually do that because there is pressure and I had lost my mixed doubles but I didn’t let it affect me.”

In the summit clash, Kumar will face Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell, who defeated Thailand’s Bunsun Mongkhon in the other semifinal. Bethell, who was the runner-up to Pramod Bhagat in the Tokyo Games, is a formidable opponent, setting the stage for an electrifying final.

Kumar’s sports journey began with a passion for football in childhood. However, an accident in Visakhapatnam left him bedridden for months and resulted in permanent leg damage. Despite this, his interest in sports endured, particularly during his time at IIT-Mandi, where he developed a keen interest in badminton.

He kept honing his skills along with studies and made his debut at the Nationals in Faridabad, winning a bronze while representing Haryana. The following year, he clinched silver in singles and bronze in doubles at Bengaluru, establishing himself in para-badminton.

His domestic success peaked at the 2020 Nationals, where he defeated Pramod and Manoj Sarkar to win gold. Kumar’s win assured India’s third medal from para badminton after Manisha Ramadass confirmed a podium after setting up a women’s singles SU5 semifinals duel with compatriot Thulasimathi Murugesan.

India’s medal hopes were further bolstered by Nithya Sivan Sumathy, who advanced to the women’s singles SH6 semifinals with a 21-4, 21-7 victory over Poland’s Oliwia Szmigiel. On Saturday, Sukant Kadam earned the right to take on compatriot Suhas Yathiraj in SL4 semifinals to assure the country its first medal in badminton from this edition of the Games.

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Manisha Ramdass Advances to Paralympics Badminton Semifinals, Mandeep Kaur and Palak Kohli Eliminated

Manisha Ramdass Advances to Paralympics Badminton Semifinals, Mandeep Kaur and Palak Kohli Eliminated

By September 1, 2024 0

Indian para-badminton star Manisha Ramdass has advanced to the women’s singles semifinals in the SU5 category at the Paris Paralympics, keeping India’s medal hopes alive. However, Mandeep Kaur and Palak Kohli’s campaigns ended in the quarterfinals with contrasting defeats.

Ramdass, 19, who has Erb’s palsy affecting her right arm, dominated Japan’s Mamiko Toyoda 21-13, 21-16 in the quarterfinals. The second-seeded Indian needed just 30 minutes to dispatch her unseeded opponent. In the SU5 category, players have impairments in their upper limbs.

In the SL3 category, Mandeep Kaur faced a tough challenge against Nigeria’s third-seeded Bolaji Mariam Eniola, losing 8-21, 9-21 in 23 minutes. It was her second consecutive defeat to Eniola, having lost in the group stage as well. The SL3 category is for players with severe lower-limb disabilities who compete on a half-width court.

Palak Kohli, a para world championship bronze medalist, fought hard in the SL4 category but fell short against Indonesia’s Khalimatus Sadiyah 19-21, 15-21 in 28 minutes. SL4 is a class for athletes with less severe lower-limb impairments than in SL3.

Later in the day, Nithya Sivan Sumathy will compete in the quarterfinals of the SH6 category against Poland’s Oliwia Szmigiel. In the men’s singles, Suhas Yathiraj and Sukant Kadam will face off in an all-Indian semifinal in the SL4 category. Nitesh Kumar will take on Japan’s Daisuke Fujihara in the SL3 category semifinal.

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Indian Para-Badminton Stars Nitesh Kumar, Sukant Kadam Reach Paris Paralympics Semifinals

Indian Para-Badminton Stars Nitesh Kumar, Sukant Kadam Reach Paris Paralympics Semifinals

By August 31, 2024 0

Indian para-badminton players Nitesh Kumar and Sukant Kadam have secured their spots in the semifinals of the men’s singles SL3 and SL4 categories, respectively, at the Paris Paralympics.

Nitesh, a silver medalist at the Asian Para Games in 2021, dominated his last group match against Thailand’s Mongkhon Bunsun, winning 21-13, 21-14. This victory earned him the top spot in Group A, with Bunsun also qualifying as the second-place finisher.

In the SL3 class, which caters to players with severe lower limb disabilities, the top two finishers from each of the two groups advance to the semifinals. Nitesh’s compatriot Manoj Sarkar, a bronze medalist at the Tokyo Paralympics, defeated China’s Yang Jianyuan 21-1, 21-11 in a match that had no bearing on the semifinals qualification.

Sukant Kadam joined his fellow Indian Suhas Yathiraj in the semifinals of the men’s singles SL4 class, which is for athletes with lower limb impairments and minor balance issues. Kadam defeated Thailand’s Teamarrom Siripong 21-12, 21-12 to top Group B. This was his second consecutive win in the three-player group.

In the women’s singles SL3 category, Mandeep Kaur advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Australia’s Vinot Celine Aurelie 21-23, 21-10, 21-17. Kaur finished second in Group B, with Nigeria’s Bolaji Mariam topping the group and securing a semifinal berth.

In mixed doubles, the Indian pair of Suhas Yathiraj and Palak Kohli lost their opening match in the SL3 category to the top-seeded Indonesian duo of Hikmat Ramdani and Leani Ratri Oktila. Nitesh Kumar and Thulasimathi Murugesan also suffered a defeat in the SL3 mixed doubles, losing to the French team of Faustine Noel and Lucas Mazur. However, Nithya Sivan Sumathy and Sivarajan Solaimalai registered a victory in the SL3 mixed doubles, defeating Thailand’s Natthapong Meechai and Chai Saeyang.

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Indian Paralympians Impress in Paris, Badminton Star Solaimalai Stuns

Indian Paralympians Impress in Paris, Badminton Star Solaimalai Stuns

By August 31, 2024 0

Indian Paralympians Shine in Paris, Badminton Star Sivarajan Solaimalai Impresses

The Indian contingent at the Paris 2024 Paralympics has made a strong start, returning with four medals on Friday. While not all athletes have secured podium finishes, many have showcased exceptional performances, including badminton star Sivarajan Solaimalai.

In a men’s singles SH6 group play stage match against Hong Kong’s Man Kai Chu, Solaimalai displayed remarkable skill and determination. A video of the match has gone viral, capturing the duo’s intense rally and awe-inspiring shots.

Indian para shuttlers have performed exceptionally well on Day 3 of the Paralympic Badminton event, with several advancing to the next stages. In the men’s SL3 category, Kumar Nitesh dominated China’s Yang Jianyuan, securing a straight-sets victory. Suhas L Yathiraj also impressed in the SL4 category, defeating Korea’s Shin Kyung Hwan in a thrilling match.

The women’s category has also seen strong performances. Thulsimathi Murugesan and Nithya Sre both booked their spots in the semifinals with impressive victories. However, Mansi Joshi, Manoj Sarkar, and Palak Kohli faced tough opponents and were unable to advance.

Despite these setbacks, India’s athletes remain focused and determined. This year’s contingent is the largest ever, with 84 athletes competing across 12 sports. India aims to surpass its previous achievements in Tokyo, where it won 19 medals, including five golds.

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Nitesh Kumar Qualifies for Para Badminton Semifinals at Paris Paralympics

Nitesh Kumar Qualifies for Para Badminton Semifinals at Paris Paralympics

By August 30, 2024 0

India’s Nitesh Kumar, a 29-year-old IIT Mandi graduate, has secured a spot in the semifinals of the men’s singles SL3 group A para badminton competition at the Paris Paralympics. Kumar, who suffered a permanent leg injury in an accident in 2009, displayed exceptional skill and determination in his second match, defeating China’s Yang Jianyuan in straight games (21-5, 21-11).

Kumar’s victory ensures him a top-two finish in the four-man group, with the top two players from each group advancing to the semifinals. He will face Thailand’s Bunsun Mongkhon in his final group match.

However, Manasi Joshi and Manoj Sarkar’s hopes of reaching the semifinals were dashed after they suffered their second consecutive defeats. Joshi, a 2019 World Champion, narrowly lost to Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna (21-10, 15-21, 21-23) in her second women’s singles SL3 Group A match. Sarkar, a Tokyo bronze medalist, also faced defeat, losing to Bunsun (19-21, 8-21) in his second Group A match.

In the mixed doubles SL3-SU5 group stage, Nitesh Kumar and Thulasimathi Murugesan lost to the Indonesian pair of Ramdani Hikmat and Oktila leani Ratri (15-21, 8-21). Suhas Yathiraj and Palak Kohli also suffered a defeat to France’s Lucas Mazur and Faustine Noel (15-21, 9-21) in their second group A mixed doubles match.

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Badminton Legend Prakash Padukone Enjoys Meal at Iconic Bengaluru Restaurant

Badminton Legend Prakash Padukone Enjoys Meal at Iconic Bengaluru Restaurant

By August 29, 2024 0

Badminton legend Prakash Padukone and his wife, Ujjala Padukone, recently graced the iconic south Indian restaurant Vidyarthi Bhavan in Bengaluru with their presence. The eatery shared a video on social media of the couple savoring the restaurant’s legendary dishes.

Vidyarthi Bhavan, renowned for its delectable benne dosas and vadas, is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Despite its popularity, the restaurant maintains its authenticity and charm, with long lines of patrons eagerly awaiting their turn to indulge in its culinary delights.

In the video, the Padukones, parents of Bollywood star Deepika Padukone, are seen relishing dosas and sharing their positive feedback about the restaurant. Prakash Padukone even posed for a photo with a server balancing multiple plates of dosa on one arm, a signature image of Vidyarthi Bhavan that has been likened to an “Olympic sport” by industrialist Anand Mahindra.

The video has garnered significant attention online, with over 42,000 views and numerous comments. While some users praised the restaurant’s consistent taste and quality, others expressed mixed reviews, suggesting that the food may not be as exceptional as it once was.

Despite the varying opinions, Vidyarthi Bhavan remains a top choice for locals and celebrities alike. The restaurant has been serving its signature dishes since 1943, and its popularity has only grown over the years. Notable figures such as Rishi Sunak, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and Starbucks co-founder Zev Siegl have also visited the eatery.

Vidyarthi Bhavan’s enduring appeal lies in its commitment to tradition and its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia among its patrons. The restaurant’s simple yet flavorful dishes have become synonymous with the city of Bengaluru, and its legacy continues to be celebrated by generations of food lovers.

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Lakshya Sen's Behind-the-Back Flick Shot Stuns Badminton World

Lakshya Sen’s Behind-the-Back Flick Shot Stuns Badminton World

By August 29, 2024 0

In a thrilling encounter at the Paris Olympics 2024, India’s Lakshya Sen stunned the badminton world with an extraordinary behind-the-back flick shot that has become an instant viral sensation.

Trailing 19-18 in the first game against medal favorite Jonatan Christie, Sen faced a seemingly impossible task. However, in a moment of desperation, he reached behind his head with his racket and somehow managed to connect with the shuttle, winning the rally and eventually taking the first game.

The jaw-dropping shot sent shockwaves through the badminton community and quickly became a viral sensation on social media. Comparisons were drawn to Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli’s iconic six over long-on against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup.

In an interview, Sen expressed his admiration for Kohli and his aspirations to emulate his success in badminton. “Why not!” he said when asked about the comparison. “I mean, at the same time he (Kohli) has done a lot for Indian cricket and yes, I want to be the Virat Kohli of Indian badminton in the coming years.”

Sen revealed that he had practiced the behind-the-back shot in training but had never attempted it in a match situation. “I was just looking to retrieve, thinking I will play an attacking shot when I get a chance. I played that shot with the same mindset. Because at 19-18, I didn’t want to let the shuttle go,” he explained.

Sen’s incredible shot propelled him to victory over Christie and into the quarterfinals, where he defeated Chou Tien-Chen to become the first Indian to reach the semi-finals of the badminton men’s singles event at the Games.

Unfortunately, Sen’s Olympic journey ended in the semi-finals with a loss to defending champion Viktor Axelsen. He also lost the bronze medal match to Malaysia’s Lee Zia Jia.

Despite the disappointing finish, Sen’s behind-the-back flick shot will be remembered as one of the most iconic moments in Indian sports history. It showcased his exceptional skill, determination, and the indomitable spirit that drives him to achieve greatness.

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Lakshya Sen Makes History at Paris Olympics, Narrowly Misses Medal

Lakshya Sen Makes History at Paris Olympics, Narrowly Misses Medal

By August 29, 2024 0

Lakshya Sen, India’s rising badminton star, made history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by becoming the first Indian male shuttler to reach the semi-finals. However, his Olympic dream was shattered as he narrowly missed out on a medal, losing to Viktor Axelsen in the semi-final and Lee Zii Jia in the bronze medal match.

Despite the disappointment, Sen’s performance was a testament to his talent and hard work. He displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament, showcasing his potential as a future champion.

After his semi-final loss, Sen expressed his devastation at not being able to secure a medal for India. He acknowledged that he could have been more clinical in the crucial stages of the match. However, he remained positive, recognizing that there were areas where he could improve.

Prakash Padukone, a legendary Indian badminton player, expressed his disappointment but also emphasized the need for Indian players to deliver results, given the support they receive. He pointed out that Sen had performed well but could have done better.

Sen acknowledged Padukone’s advice and appreciated the support he received from the badminton community. He highlighted the guidance and encouragement he received from Prakash Padukone and his daughter, Deepika Padukone.

Despite the setback, Sen remains determined to achieve his Olympic dream. He is confident that he can learn from his experiences and return stronger in the future. His performance at the Paris Olympics has ignited hope and inspiration among Indian badminton fans, who believe that he has the potential to become one of the greatest players in the sport.

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India's Badminton Team Aims for 8-10 Medals at Paralympics Despite Tricky Draw

India’s Badminton Team Aims for 8-10 Medals at Paralympics Despite Tricky Draw

By August 28, 2024 0

India’s badminton team, comprising 13 shuttlers, arrived in Paris for the Paralympics on Sunday and were met with a challenging draw, particularly in the mixed doubles SL3-SL5 category. The team has since analyzed the draw and devised a Plan B to overcome the obstacles.

Despite the initial setback, team chief coach Gaurav Khanna remains optimistic about India’s medal prospects. He believes the team can still secure 8-10 medals, which would surpass their previous best of four medals at the 2020 Paralympics.

The Indian pair of Nitesh Kumar and Thulsimathi Murugesan will face their compatriots Suhas and Palak Kohli in the first round of the mixed doubles SL3-SU5 group stage on Thursday. In the men’s singles SL4 category, Suhas, Sukant Kadam, and Tarun will face each other at a later stage.

“The draws in the mixed doubles and men’s singles SL4 categories have upset our game plan a bit, but now things are under control as we have prepared our Plan B,” Khanna said. “I am sure that we are still in position to win 8-10 medals at the Paralympics.”

In the absence of Pramod Bhagat, who is suspended for violating anti-doping regulations, India will rely on Krishna Nagar to defend his gold medal in the SH6 category. Suhas and Manoj Sarkar, who won bronze medals in 2020, will aim to improve their performance this time.

India’s dominance in para-badminton was evident at the recent BWF Para Badminton World Championships, where they won 18 medals, including three gold, four silver, and 11 bronze. This success has boosted the team’s confidence heading into the Paralympics.

Khanna praised the court conditions in Paris and the positive atmosphere surrounding the team. He expressed confidence that all 13 Indian shuttlers are ready to give their best and make history at the Paralympics.

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Lakshya Sen's Olympic Heartbreak: A Tale of Missed Opportunities

Lakshya Sen’s Olympic Heartbreak: A Tale of Missed Opportunities

By August 27, 2024 0

Lakshya Sen’s Olympic heartbreak continues to linger, as the Indian badminton star grapples with the disappointment of his back-to-back defeats in the men’s singles event at the Paris Olympics 2024.

After PV Sindhu, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, and HS Prannoy were eliminated, Lakshya emerged as India’s last hope for a badminton medal. However, his dreams were shattered in the semifinals against Viktor Axelsen of Denmark and the bronze-medal match against Malaysia’s Lee Zee Jia.

Recalling the agonizing defeats, Lakshya admits that he came up just short in crucial moments. Despite his impressive form leading up to the Olympics, he squandered three game points against Axelsen and a 7-point lead against Lee.

“After the match, I was devastated,” Lakshya said in an interview with Humans of Bombay. “It’s going to hurt for a while that I couldn’t give India the medal at this Olympics.”

Lakshya’s coach, Prakash Padukone, and Vimal Kumar, were critical of his performance, blaming him for ending India’s 12-year Olympic medal streak. However, Lakshya received unwavering support from Deepika Padukone, who reached out to him after the bronze medal match and offered words of comfort.

“They have been really supportive,” Lakshya said. “Even after the bronze medal match, she called me and said ‘It’s fine; don’t worry. You did good.'”

Despite the disappointment, Lakshya remains determined to improve and achieve his Olympic dream. He acknowledges that he could have been more clinical in crucial stages and is working on addressing those weaknesses.

“I know there are some things that I could have done better,” he said. “Everything was fine, but towards the end, I wasn’t able to get there.”

As Lakshya continues to process his Olympic experience, he is grateful for the support of his family, friends, and fans. He is confident that he will learn from his mistakes and return stronger in the future.

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