Nitesh Kumar Storms Into Two Asian Para Games Finals
Paralympics gold medalist Nitesh Kumar secures spots in two Asian Para Games finals, while India bags multiple bronze medals in badminton.
India's para-badminton sensation and Paris Paralympics gold medalist Nitesh Kumar has asserted his dominance at the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. In a stellar display of skill and composure, Kumar has successfully booked his place in the gold medal clash for both the men's singles SL3 category and the Mixed Doubles SL3-SLU5 event.
Clinical Performance in Men's Singles
Competing in the men's singles SL3 category, Nitesh Kumar faced a tough challenge from Indonesia's Imran Muh. The opening game was a nail-biter, with Kumar showing immense grit to edge out his opponent 21-19. Having broken the deadlock, the reigning Paralympic champion shifted gears in the second game, leveraging his experience to control the pace and secure a 21-16 victory.
This win propels Nitesh into the final, where he will look to add another prestigious title to his collection, building on his success as the 2022 Asian Para Games gold medalist in the men's doubles.
Thrilling Mixed Doubles Victory
Nitesh Kumar's success didn't stop at the singles event. Partnering with Thulasimathi Murgesan, he battled through a high-intensity semifinal in the Mixed Doubles SL3-SLU5 category against China's Mingpan Li and Zuxian Xiao.
The Indian duo started strong, winning the first game 21-19. However, the Chinese pair mounted a fierce comeback to take the second game 21-14. In a dramatic decider, Nitesh and Thulasimathi managed to hold their nerve, winning the third game to secure their spot in the final.
India Bags Multiple Bronze Medals
While Nitesh Kumar is eyeing gold, several other Indian para-shuttlers added to the nation's medal tally by securing bronze medals after hard-fought semifinal battles.
Mixed and Women's Doubles
- Krishna Nagar and Nithya Sre claimed bronze in the mixed doubles SH6 event after falling 0-2 (14-21, 18-21) to Indonesia’s Rina Marlina and Subhan.
- Alphia James and Pallavi secured a bronze medal in the Women's Doubles WH1-WH2 category.
- Manisha Ramadass and Pramod Bhagat also took home bronze in the mixed doubles SL3-SU5 event. Despite winning the first game 21-16, they eventually lost to Indonesia’s Oktila Leani Ratri and Hikmat Ramdani with scores of 13-21 and 17-21.
Singles Events
- Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj fought a grueling battle in the men's singles SL4 semifinal against Indonesia's Fredy Setiawan. After losing the first game 21-23, Suhas roared back to win the second 21-8. However, the third game remained tight until the 11-point mark, before Setiawan pulled away to win 21-15, leaving Suhas with the bronze.
- Abhijeet Sakhuja settled for bronze in an all-Indian clash in the men's singles SL4, losing 13-21, 15-21 to compatriot Naveen Sivakumar.
- Sanjana Kumar also earned a bronze medal in the women's singles SL3 category.