From Tragedy to Triumph: Nitesh Kumar Credits Father for Asian Para Games Glory
World No. 1 Nitesh Kumar reflects on his journey from a 2009 accident to winning gold at the 2026 Asian Para Games.
Returning home as a champion, Indian para-badminton sensation Nitesh Kumar has opened up about the emotional pillar of his success. After securing a gold and a silver medal at the 2026 Asian Para Games, the world No. 1 in men's singles SL3 credited his father, Vijender Singh, for being his strongest source of support through life's darkest hours and greatest victories.
A Journey Born from Adversity
Nitesh's path to the podium was not easy. His life took a drastic turn in 2009 when a devastating train accident resulted in the loss of his left leg. During the period of profound grief and recovery that followed, Nitesh recalls that his father refused to let him succumb to despair.
“Of course, my father [Vijender Singh] was my biggest support, not just in my sporting journey, but my journey overall as well,” Nitesh shared. “Right from my accident in 2009 to till today... my father has been my strongest pillar. Even when I was too low during my accident, he didn't let me give up and he made me stronger every day by motivating me.”
Choosing the Court Over the Classroom
Despite his athletic potential, Nitesh's academic prowess was a priority for his family. An electrical engineering graduate from IIT Mandi, Nitesh initially viewed badminton as a mere recreational activity while studying. While his mother urged him to focus on his studies to secure a stable government job, fearing that sports might detract from his academic success, his father took a different stance.
Vijender Singh backed Nitesh's passion for the sport, providing the encouragement necessary for him to transition from a student-athlete to a professional para-badminton player after graduation.
The Thrill of the Gold
At the 2026 Asian Para Games, Nitesh achieved a significant milestone by winning the men's singles SL3 gold. The victory was particularly sweet as he defeated his compatriot and veteran player, Pramod Bhagat, in a straight-set final.
Nitesh expressed immense pride in this victory, noting that Bhagat is widely considered one of the best in the business, especially regarding mental toughness. Winning the final in two sets proved to Nitesh that he could hold his nerves under the highest pressure.
In addition to his singles gold, Nitesh also claimed a silver medal in the mixed doubles SL3-SU5 event, partnering with Thulasimathi Murugesan.
Eyes on the World Championship
Despite his current world ranking and recent success, the 31-year-old athlete admits there is still one void in his trophy cabinet. While he has earned two silvers and a bronze at the World Championships, a gold medal at the global event remains his primary target.
India's Historic Performance
Nitesh's success contributed to a landmark campaign for India at the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. India finished fourth in the overall standings with a record-breaking 114 medals, surpassing the 108 medals won in the previous edition.
Remarkably, this record haul was achieved with a smaller contingent of just 168 athletes, signaling a significant rise in the quality and efficiency of India's para-sports training and performance.