India’s para badminton contingent delivered a commanding performance on the final day of the
The final day was defined by the success of Paris Paralympic champion
Gold Medal Success and Individual Triumphs
Nitesh Kumar led the charge in the men’s singles SL3 category, securing a hard-fought 21-18, 21-16 victory over fellow countryman and Tokyo Paralympics gold medallist Pramod Bhagat. Reflecting on the win, Nitesh noted the significance of the result, particularly after his previous narrow defeat in a similar high-stakes encounter. For Bhagat, the loss marked the end of a streak, as he had claimed gold in the 2018 and 2022 editions of the Games.
In the men’s singles SL4 category, debutant Naveen Sivakumar made an immediate impact by defeating Indonesia’s Fredy Setiawan 21-9, 21-17. The 36-minute match showcased Naveen’s composure, as he treated the final like any other tournament to avoid the pressure of the occasion. His victory adds to a growing list of accolades, following his previous successes at the Uganda Para Badminton International and the BWF Para Badminton World Championships.
The third gold of the day came from the women’s doubles SL3-SU5 final, where Thulasimathi Murugesan and Manasi Joshi overcame China’s Yang Qiuxia and Xiao Zuxian with a 21-16, 21-13 scoreline. The pair credited their victory to improved communication and a strategic focus on maintaining intensity against a tough Chinese side. This gold capped a busy day for Thulasimathi, who also secured silver medals in the women’s singles SU5 and the mixed doubles SL3-SU5 alongside Nitesh Kumar.
Reflecting on the Campaign
While the final day brought significant joy, it also saw other Indian athletes navigate difficult finals. Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan concluded her tournament with a silver medal in the women’s singles SH6 category after a 12-21, 13-21 defeat to China’s Li Fengmei. Despite the loss, the overall performance of the Indian team underscored their rising status in international para badminton.
The tournament provided a platform for both established stars and emerging talent to test their skills against the best in Asia. With the competition now concluded, the athletes look toward future challenges, including the World Championships and upcoming international fixtures, as they continue to refine their craft and build on the momentum gained at these Games.
