जनभावना टाइम्स ਇੰਡੀਆ ਡੇਲੀ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ इंडिया डेली लाइव

Meet Nitesh Kumar: Indian badminton star who clinched gold at Paris Paralympics

Paris Paralympics 2024: Nitesh’s triumph made him the second Indian athlete to win gold at the Paris Paralympics, following shooter Avani Lekhara’s victory in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event.

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Edited By: Satyam Singh
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Nitesh Kumar clinched gold in men's singles SL3 badminton.

Nitesh Kumar clinched gold in men's singles SL3 badminton. (X/OlympicKhel)

Paris Paralympics 2024: Nitesh Kumar secured his first-ever Paralympic gold medal by defeating Great Britain's Daniel Bethell in a thrilling match at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. The final scoreline read 21-14, 18-21, 23-21 in the men's singles SL3 class. With this victory, Nitesh added to India’s growing medal tally, which now stands at nine. Earlier in the day, Yogesh Kathuniya had claimed India’s first medal, a silver in discus throw. Nitesh’s triumph made him the second Indian athlete to win gold at the Paris Paralympics, following shooter Avani Lekhara’s victory in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event.

Journey of champion

Nitesh Kumar’s path to glory is a story of grit and perseverance. At 29, he overcame significant challenges, including a life-altering accident in 2009 that resulted in permanent leg damage. Despite these obstacles, Nitesh’s determination never wavered. His exceptional performance at the 2022 Para Asian Games, where he secured three medals including a singles silver, set the stage for his Paralympic success. Nitesh’s win in Paris ensures that India continues to shine in the SL3 category, following Pramod Bhagat’s gold in Tokyo 2020, when para-badminton made its debut.

Understanding the SL3 class

The SL3 class in para-badminton includes players with severe lower limb disabilities, requiring them to compete on a half-width court. Nitesh Kumar’s ability to dominate in this category speaks volumes about his skill and adaptability. India had been assured of three medals in para-badminton at the Paris Paralympics, with Nitesh being one of the standout performers. His fellow compatriots, Thulasimathi Murugesan (women’s singles SU5) and Suhas Yathiraj (men’s singles SL4), also added to India’s medal count, while Sukant Kadam and Manisha Ramadass are set to compete in the bronze medal playoffs.

Nitesh Kumar's impressive track record

Nitesh Kumar’s achievements extend beyond the Paralympics. His decorated career includes multiple medals at the Asian Para Games and World Championships:

  • Asian Para Games 2022: Gold in Men’s Doubles (MD), Silver in Men’s Singles (MS), Bronze in Mixed Doubles (XD)
  • Asian Para Games 2018: Bronze in Men’s Doubles (MD)
  • World Championship 2024: Bronze in Men’s Singles (MS)
  • World Championship 2022: Silver in Men’s Singles (MS)
  • World Championship 2019: Silver in Men’s Doubles (MD).

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