Nitesh Kumar made headlines at the 2024 Paris Paralympics by clinching the gold medal in the men’s singles SL4 para-badminton final.
This victory marks a significant achievement for Kumar, who triumphed over Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell with a closely contested scoreline of 21-14, 18-21, 23-21 at La Chapelle Court on September 2, 2024.
Match Highlights
The final match showcased Kumar’s resilience and skill. After taking the first game convincingly, he faced a setback in the second, allowing Bethell to level the match.
However, Kumar demonstrated remarkable composure and determination in the deciding game, ultimately securing the gold medal.
This victory not only adds to his accolades but also elevates India’s medal tally at the Games to nine, which includes two golds, two silvers, and five bronzes.
Background and Significance
Nitesh Kumar, who lost his left foot in a tragic accident in 2009, has a commendable track record in para-badminton, having previously won multiple medals at the Asian Para Games and World Championships.
His journey to this gold medal has been marked by dedication and perseverance, making this victory particularly poignant for him and inspiring for many.
India’s Paralympic Performance
The Indian contingent has been performing impressively at the 2024 Paralympics, with a total of nine medals secured so far.
Other notable performances on the same day included Thulasimathi Murugesan competing for gold in the women’s singles SU5 event and Suhas Yathiraj aiming for gold in the men’s singles SL4 event later in the day.
As the Games continue, the Indian team is poised to add more medals to their tally, with athletes across various disciplines competing fiercely.
