Paris: In a thrilling encounter at the Paris Paralympics 2024, India’s Nitesh Kumar clinched the gold medal in the Men’s Singles SL3 para-badminton event. Kumar’s victory came after a nail-biting match against the tournament favorite, Daniel Bethell of Britain. The final score read 21-14, 18-21, 23-21 in favor of the Indian shuttler, marking a significant achievement in his career.
The match was a display of sheer determination and skill, with both players showcasing their best performances. After taking the first set comfortably, Kumar faced a strong comeback from Bethell in the second set. The final set was a closely contested battle, with Kumar ultimately emerging victorious, securing India’s second gold medal at the Games.
With this win, India’s medal tally at the Paris Paralympics 2024 has now reached nine, comprising two golds, three silvers, and four bronze medals. This victory further cements India’s standing in the para-sports arena and highlights the growing prominence of para-badminton on the global stage.
In other news, India’s Avani Lekhara and Babu Sidhartha faced disappointment in the Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone (SH1) event. Both athletes were unable to qualify for the final, finishing 11th and 28th, respectively. Despite their setbacks, the Indian contingent continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and sportsmanship at the Paralympics.