Paris: India’s para-badminton star Nitesh Kumar has guaranteed the nation another medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024 by advancing to the final of the men’s singles SL3 category. The top-seeded player delivered a commanding performance in the semi-finals, defeating Japan’s Daisuke Fujihara in straight sets with a score of 21-16, 21-12, in just 48 minutes.
Nitesh, a 29-year-old graduate from IIT Mandi, overcame immense personal challenges to reach this stage. After a life-altering accident in 2009 left his leg permanently disabled, he turned his focus to badminton while studying at IIT Mandi. His victory over Fujihara not only secures him a place in the final but also assures India of a medal in the SL3 category, following Pramod Bhagat’s gold in the Tokyo Paralympics.
The SL3 category features athletes with lower limb disabilities, and Nitesh’s journey to the final is a testament to his resilience and determination. In the final, scheduled for Monday, Nitesh will face Britain’s Daniel Bethell, who is considered a strong contender. Bethell, who was the runner-up to Pramod Bhagat at the Tokyo Paralympics, secured his place in the final with a decisive 21-7, 21-9 victory over Thailand’s Bunson Mongkhon in the other semi-final.
India’s success at the Paralympics doesn’t end with Nitesh. In the women’s SH6 category, Nitya Sivan Sumati has reached the semi-finals after a dominant 21-4, 21-7 win against Poland’s Olivia Szmigil in the quarter-finals. Nitya will now face China’s Lin Shuangbao, who narrowly defeated her in the group stage. Additionally, Manisha Ramdas has advanced to the semi-finals in the SU5 category, where she will compete against fellow Indian Tulsimati Murugesan, ensuring yet another medal for India.
With multiple athletes advancing to the final stages of their events, India’s presence at the Paris Paralympics continues to shine brightly, reflecting the nation’s growing strength in para-sports.
