"I Could Have Won Singles": Krishna Nagar's Bittersweet Asian Para Games Journey
Paralympic champion Krishna Nagar opens up about his mixed emotions after winning two medals but missing out on a singles podium at the Asian Para Games.
Paralympic champion Krishna Nagar emerged from the Asian Para Games with two medals in his bag, but for the Indian para-badminton star, the campaign felt incomplete. Despite the hardware, Nagar has expressed a sense of disappointment over his performance in the singles event, believing a third medal was well within his reach.
A Tale of Two Triumphs and One Heartbreak
On paper, Krishna Nagar's campaign was a success. He secured a bronze medal in the mixed doubles SH6 event alongside Nithya Sre and clinched a silver medal in the men's SH6 doubles competition partnering with Sivarajan Solaimalai.
However, the singles category left a void. After reaching the finals and winning silver in the 2022 Asian Para Games, Nagar entered this competition with immense confidence in his training. That confidence was shaken in the quarterfinals, where a promising lead slipped away.
"I was leading by 11-6 in the quarterfinals at one point, and I lost the match from there," Nagar told ANI. "If I had maintained more focus and done things normally with more calm and less hurry, it would have been better, and I would have been playing in the semifinals today."
Nagar admitted that a few critical mistakes in the final 4-5 points of the match cost him the victory, attributing the loss to a lack of composure and a streak of bad luck.
The Quest for the 'Complete Set'
Having already achieved the pinnacle of success with a Paralympic gold in 2020 and a World Championship title in 2024, Nagar's ambition was clear: he wanted an Asian Para Games gold to complete his collection of major titles. While that goal remains unfulfilled for now, the champion is already looking toward the horizon.
Nagar has set his sights on future glory, specifically targeting the 2028 Paralympics and the 2030 Asian Para Games to redeem his singles campaign.
The Rising Tide of Para-Sports in India
Beyond his personal journey, Krishna Nagar highlighted the seismic shift in how para-sports are perceived and supported in India. He credited the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the central government, and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) for providing the infrastructure and support necessary for athletes to excel.
He also noted the impact of state government policies, particularly regarding government jobs, which have encouraged more individuals to take up para-sports. This surge in participation has led to a more competitive landscape.
"In my category, the competition in the world has become such that you will see a new champion in every big event," Nagar observed, noting how the world championship title frequently changes hands between different countries.
Adapting to New Rules and Greater Recognition
The world of para-badminton is on the verge of a technical shift, moving toward a 15-point-per-game system. Nagar believes this will demand a new level of intensity from the very first serve.
- Agility: Faster movement will be crucial.
- Power: Explosive shots will be needed earlier in the game.
- Endurance: Maintaining high energy throughout the shorter format.
- Focus: Zero margin for error from the first point.
A New Era of Visibility
Reflecting on India crossing the 100-medal mark in the 2022 Asian Para Games, Nagar expressed gratitude for the increased media and social media coverage. He believes this visibility has helped para-athletes feel like they truly belong in the broader narrative of Indian sports.
According to Nagar, the recognition from the public and the subsequent interest from sponsors are vital steps toward achieving the same level of support and status as able-bodied athletes.