In a spectacular display of skill and determination, India added three more medals to its tally at the Paris Paralympics 2024 on Monday, September 2. Among the highlights was IIT graduate Nitesh Kumar’s remarkable victory in the men’s singles SL3 badminton competition, where he secured a historic gold medal.
Nitesh Kumar’s Golden Triumph
Nitesh Kumar, the top seed in the SL3 category, achieved a milestone in his career by defeating Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell in a nail-biting final. The match, played at the La Chapelle Arena Court 1, was a thrilling three-game encounter, with Nitesh emerging victorious with scores of 21-14, 18-21, 23-21.
The win was especially significant for Nitesh, as he had faced Bethell nine times previously in his career without a single victory. This time, however, Nitesh displayed incredible resilience and strategic prowess, overcoming the sideways drift on the court and breaking his winless streak against his British rival. His victory not only secured a gold medal for India but also marked a turning point in his sporting journey.
Suhas Yathiraj’s Silver Success
Meanwhile, Indian shuttler and world number 1 ranked IAS officer Suhas Yathiraj added another silver to his Paralympics collection in the men’s singles SL4 category. Suhas, a 2007 batch IAS officer, faced off against the formidable Lucas Mazur of France in the final. Despite his best efforts, Suhas was unable to overcome the top-seeded Frenchman, losing in straight games 9-21, 13-21.
The 41-year-old Suhas had previously secured a silver medal in the Tokyo Paralympics, where he also lost to Mazur. The Paris final was a repeat of that encounter, with Mazur once again proving too strong. Nevertheless, Suhas’s silver medal was a testament to his consistency and dedication, solidifying his status as one of the top para-badminton players in the world.
Sumit Antil’s Record-Breaking Javelin Gold
Adding to India’s gold medal haul was javelin sensation Sumit Antil, who delivered a phenomenal performance in the men’s javelin throw competition. Sumit, who entered the event as the favorite, lived up to expectations by not only winning the gold but also breaking his own Paralympics record twice during his six throws.
Sumit’s dominance in the event was evident from the start, as he showcased impeccable form and technique. His record-breaking throws underscored his superiority in the field and added another chapter to his growing legacy in Paralympic sports.
India’s Impressive Medal Tally
With these latest successes, India’s medal tally at the Paris Paralympics 2024 now stands at an impressive 15, including 3 golds. The achievements of Nitesh Kumar, Suhas Yathiraj, and Sumit Antil reflect the country’s growing prowess in Paralympic sports and highlight the incredible talent and perseverance of its athletes.
As the Paralympics continue, India remains hopeful of adding more medals to its collection, inspired by the remarkable performances of its champions on the world stage.