Indian Paralympic gold medallist shuttler Nitesh Kumar revealed that he wanted to join the army but his train accident ruined his dream to serve the nation. Nitesh defeated Daniel Bethell from Great Britain in the men's singles SL3 badminton final. The 29-year-old from Haryana was rock solid in his defence and spot on with his shot selections as he beat Tokyo silver medallist Bethell 21-14 18-21 23-21 in an absorbing contest that lasted an hour and 20 minutes.
The SL3 category is for players with movement moderately affecting one side of the body, both legs or the absence of limbs. They play standing on a half-width court and have reduced court movement but a full range of shots.
Nitesh lost his left leg in a train accident in Visakhapatnam in 2009 when he was just 15 but he recovered from the trauma and found his calling in para badminton. In the exclusive conversation with Sports Tak, Nitesh dedicated his gold medal to his father.
“When I lost my leg in an accident everything was shattered wanted to become an army officer but that dream I could not dull fill but happy that I am a para-athlete and have won a medal for Nation. My father was a support system for me want to dedicate my medal to him. Never giving up the process and thought is the key for me” Nitesh told Sports Tak.
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India have clinched 11 medals in the ongoing Paralympics including two gold, four silver and five bronze. In total India clinched three medals in Badminton including one gold, one silver and one bronze. India's last edition silver medallist shuttler Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj has also qualified for the final which means he confirmed at least a silver medal.
Nitesh, an IIT Mandi graduate took to para-badminton during his time at the IIT. He has been in good form since the last two years, winning multiple championships. Earlier this year, he won a gold at the 2024 BWF Para-Badminton World Championships.
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