Badminton

Paralympic Champion Nitesh Kumar Eyes World Championship Gold to Complete Trophy Cabinet

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 30, 2026, 22:11 IST

After securing Paralympic glory in Paris, Indian para-badminton star Nitesh Kumar reveals his enduring motivation, focusing on personal growth and the elusive World Championship gold medal to complete his collection.

Paralympic Champion Nitesh Kumar Eyes World Championship Gold to Complete Trophy Cabinet

Para-badminton star Nitesh Kumar continues to be a dominant force on the international stage, driven by an unwavering passion for the sport and a commitment to securing more gold medals for India. Having already achieved significant success, including a gold medal at the Paris Paralympics, the athlete remains focused on continuous improvement rather than solely chasing results.

Nitesh’s illustrious career includes a gold medal in the Men’s Singles SL3 category at the Asian Para Games, alongside a silver in the Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5 event alongside Thulasimathi Murugesan. Despite his extensive trophy cabinet, which features four World Championship medals—two silvers and two bronzes—the elusive gold at the world level remains a primary target that he admits still motivates him deeply.

Chasing the Missing World Championship Gold

Reflecting on his journey, Nitesh emphasized that his motivation stems from a genuine love for the game and the pursuit of his personal best. He noted that while winning gold is a source of immense pride, his approach is centered on growth and learning, even from matches where he falls short. By analyzing these setbacks, he aims to refine his performance for future competitions.

The absence of a World Championship gold is a specific goal that keeps him driven. While he views his overall development over the years as a success, he is determined to add that final piece to his collection. His focus remains on maintaining his current momentum as he looks toward future challenges, including the Los Angeles Paralympics.

Refining Strategy and Looking Ahead

Nitesh also shared insights into his tactical approach, particularly regarding his rivalry with fellow Indian competitor Pramod Bhagat. Recalling his victory at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games, he explained the importance of patience and mental resilience. Having learned from a previous defeat in Hangzhou, Nitesh focused on building pressure throughout the match and staying composed until the final point was secured.

Looking toward the Los Angeles Paralympics, Nitesh expressed a desire to see an all-India final, which he believes would alleviate the pressure of the occasion. His primary objective remains ensuring that the gold medal stays with India, regardless of which athlete claims it. Before turning his full attention to the next Paralympic cycle, he is committed to the qualification process, ensuring he is in the best possible position to represent his country once more on the global stage.