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.
