Nitesh Kumar Wins Gold in Para Badminton at Paris Paralympics

India Shines Bright in Paralympic Badminton

The buzz around the Paris 2024 Paralympics has reached new heights, and as ardent supporters, we couldn’t be more thrilled to witness the Indian para-badminton players put on a show that truly embodies the spirit of our nation! The atmosphere at La Chapelle Arena was electric, filled with cheers and excitement as these incredible athletes demonstrated their unparalleled talent and unwavering determination. Every match was a reminder of resilience and hard work, creating unforgettable moments that will stay in our hearts for years to come.

A Golden Moment for Nitesh Kumar

One moment that stands out was when Nitesh Kumar captured the spotlight in the men’s singles SL3 event. I held my breath as he went head-to-head with Daniel Bethell, the silver medalist from Tokyo 2020. The nail-biting battle unfolded over three sets, and I can still feel the tension in the air as Nitesh clinched the gold with a score of 21-14, 18-21, 23-21. Watching him transform his dedication and hard work into this incredible victory was nothing short of inspiring, and when he raised that gold medal high, it was a moment of pure joy that brought the crowd roaring to its feet.

Silver Linings for Suhas Yathiraj and Thulasimathi Murugesan

Not too far behind, Suhas Yathiraj and Thulasimathi Murugesan etched their names into the spotlight by securing silver medals in their respective events. It was a joy to see their hard work come to fruition as they showcased both resilience and strategy throughout the competition. They fought valiantly, maintaining composure even in the most intense moments, and their fierce spirit reminded all of us what true dedication looks like.

Impressive Bronze Finish for Nithya Sre Sivan and Manisha Ramadass

And let’s not overlook the remarkable achievements of Nithya Sre Sivan and Manisha Ramadass, who proudly brought home bronze medals in their category. Their success represents so much more than just personal victories; they are shining examples of hope for aspiring athletes everywhere. Witnessing their journey has left me in awe, as they embody the essence of determination we all strive for.

As these extraordinary athletes continue to shine on the global stage, their accomplishments resonate far beyond the medals they earn. Each of them embodies resilience, determination, and a spirit that refuses to give up, inspiring countless individuals across the country. ​The success of the Indian contingent in badminton is a powerful reminder of the tenacity of those who dare to chase their dreams, and I couldn’t be prouder of their achievements.​

In celebrating their victories, let us also reflect on the lessons of hope and perseverance they bring. Here’s to the remarkable athletes of India, whose journeys uplift us all and remind us that anything is possible with hard work and heart!

Nitesh Kumar Wins Gold in Para Badminton at Paris Paralympics

Nitesh Kumar Wins Gold in Para Badminton at Paris Paralympics

Nitesh Kumar’s life took an unexpected turn after a train accident in 2009 resulted in the amputation of his left leg. Despite his passion for football, destiny had other plans for him. However, the resilient Haryana boy refused to give up on his dreams and found his calling in para sport.

As an engineer by profession, Nitesh discovered his love for badminton while studying at IIT Mandi. Despite wearing a prosthetic leg, he often competed against able-bodied players from his college. His dedication and love for the game led him to win a bronze medal at the Para Nationals in 2016.

Nitesh’s impressive deceptive skills and unwavering determination soon made him a force to be reckoned with at the national level. At the 2020 Para National Championships, he stunned Tokyo Paralympic medallists Pramod Bhagat and Manoj Sarkar. Bhagat, who had claimed a historic gold medal in Tokyo, was serving an 18-month suspension for an anti-doping violation.

Nitesh ensured that India defended its gold medal from Tokyo. In a thrilling final against England’s Daniel Bethell, Nitesh clinched the victory 21-14, 18-21, 23-21, converting a second match point after saving one in between.

“I had goosebumps when the national anthem was being played and the Indian flag was going up. It was an amazing feeling, hard to describe,” said the 29-year-old Nitesh.

Suhas Yathiraj, 41, won silver in the men’s singles SL4 class, losing to France’s defending champion Lucas Mazur. For Yathiraj, an IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, it was a significant achievement to win his second Paralympics medal, having lost to Mazur in the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics final as well.

India’s success in para badminton continued in the SU5 category (standing/upper limb impairment). Thulasimathi Murugesan took silver after losing to China’s defending champion Yang Qiuxia in the final. Second seed Manisha Ramadass took bronze, beating Denmark’s Cathrine Rosengren in the playoff.

Thulasi, 22, from Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, trains at the Pullela Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad. Despite her congenital deformity and severe injuries from an accident, she has won three medals in the Asian Para Games, including gold in singles, and silver at the world championships this year.

Indian Para Shuttler Nitesh Kumar Secures Maiden Paralympic Medal

Suhas Yathiraj and Nitesh Kumar Into Paralympics 2024 Finals

What an exhilarating moment for Indian sports fans! ​Suhas Yathiraj and Nitesh Kumar have both stormed into the finals of badminton at the 2024 Paralympics, ensuring two precious medals for our country.​ As a sports enthusiast, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride and joy watching these incredible athletes represent India on such a prestigious platform.

Suhas Yathiraj, who already made headlines during the Tokyo Paralympics, has continued his remarkable journey by confirming a second medal in consecutive editions of the Paralympics. Achieving this feat is no small task, and it speaks volumes about his dedication and resilience. I can only imagine the hard work and sacrifices that both Suhas and Nitesh have made to reach this level.

Suhas Yathiraj’s victory over his fellow Indian player Sukant Kadam with a decisive score of 21-17, 21-12 in the semifinals was nothing short of inspiring. As someone who has followed Suhas’s career, I feel a deep sense of admiration for his relentless spirit. His journey from being an IAS officer to a Paralympic silver medallist showcases the idea that any dream is achievable with determination and effort.

Nitesh Kumar’s success alongside Suhas in reaching the finals is equally thrilling. The excitement surrounding their matchups has created a buzz in the community, encouraging many to take up sports and engage with their local badminton clubs. It’s a joy to see athletes like them pave the way for the next generation, inspiring countless young talents throughout the country.

As the finals approach, I can’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and pride. It’s more than just medals; it’s about resilience, teamwork, and national pride. Every serve and smash that these athletes make carries the hopes and dreams of millions back home. We should all rally together to support Suhas and Nitesh as they prepare for their momentous finale.

Indian Para Shuttler Nitesh Kumar Secures Maiden Paralympic Medal

Indian Para Shuttler Nitesh Kumar Secures Maiden Paralympic Medal

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.

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

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

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.

Para-Shuttler Suhas Yathiraj wins bronze at Spanish Para Badminton International

Suhas Yathiraj and Nitesh Kumar Shine at the Paralympics

In an inspiring show of determination and talent, Indian para badminton stars Suhas Yathiraj and Nitesh Kumar have captured the spotlight by securing their spots in the semi-finals of the Paralympics. ​This remarkable achievement is not just a significant milestone in their sporting careers; it has also stirred a wave of pride across the nation, uniting fans in their support for these incredible athletes.​

Suhas Yathiraj, who previously brought home a silver medal from the Tokyo Games, is proving once again that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level. Meanwhile, 29-year-old Nitesh Kumar, a graduate from IIT Mandi, delivered an outstanding performance in his quarter-final match, dominating against China’s Yang Jianyuan with an impressive score of 21-5, 21-11. His victory showcased not only his skill in the SL3 category but also his readiness to tackle the toughest challenges on the international stage.

Both Suhas and Nitesh have faced their share of obstacles on their journeys to success. Suhas’s resilience has inspired so many as he continues to push boundaries in the world of para badminton. Similarly, Nitesh’s incredible talent and hard work reflect years of dedication to his craft. Together, they represent something much greater than themselves: they are symbols of hope and perseverance for aspiring athletes everywhere.

As news of their success circulates, the excitement among fans back home rises. Supporters are passionately engaging on social media, sharing words of encouragement and celebrating the duo’s feats. This strong sense of community amplifies the significance of their victories, creating an atmosphere of unity as people from all walks of life gather to cheer for their heroes. The pride is palpable, and fans eagerly look forward to the next matches, confident that Suhas and Nitesh will continue to shine.

Now that they have secured their semi-final spots, all eyes turn to the next phase of the tournament. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how these talented players will rise to the occasion against their upcoming opponents. As the competition grows fiercer, there’s a shared hope that Suhas and Nitesh will sustain their remarkable momentum and bring even more glory to India.

Their journey is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with resilience and dedication. They are living proof that with passion and hard work, monumental accomplishments are indeed possible. Here’s to wishing Suhas and Nitesh all the best as they prepare to take the stage in the semi-finals—may their inspiring journey continue to motivate many others on their paths to greatness!

Nitesh Kumar Qualifies for Para Badminton Semifinals at Paris Paralympics

Nitesh Kumar Qualifies for Para Badminton Semifinals at Paris Paralympics

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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