Nitesh Kumar has made history by winning the gold medal in badminton at the Paris Paralympics 2024, defeating England’s Daniel Bethell in the finals of the SL3 category. The Indian came out on top in a tense three-set final, with the scoreline reading (21-14, 18-21, 22-21).
Kumar becomes the second Indian to win gold at the Paralympics after Avani Lekhara won the gold in women’s shooting 10m air rifle standing SH1 category.
Nitesh Kumar wins gold in badminton at Paralympics 2024
Did you know Nitesh Kumar is an IIT Mandi graduate? After losing his leg in a 2009 train accident in Visakhapatnam, he focused on his education, cleared the entrance exam, and discovered his passion for badminton at IIT. Today, he stands as a Paralympic champion. pic.twitter.com/zntWe1Bugw
— अंशुल चव्हाण । Anshul Chavhan (@anshul_chavhan) September 2, 2024
The SL3 category in badminton at the Paralympics involves athletes who have significant injuries to the lower half of their bodies. In this category, courts of half the width of the standard size is used.
Kumar started the match in remarkable fashion, showing his sharpness and quality to win the first game. However, Bethell fought back and won the second to send the match to the deciding game. In the end, Kumar was able to dig deep and come out on top.
Last time out in Tokyo, Pramod Bhagat won the gold medal in the SL3 category, while Manoj Sarkar claimed bronze in the same.
Nitesh Kumar lost his leg in a train accident in 2009, but later made it to IIT Mandi and eventually developed an interest in badminton.
