Asian Para Games: Paralympic champion Pramod Bhagat marches into men's singles SL3 semis, assures medal
Paralympic champion Pramod Bhagat secures a medal at the Asian Para Games after a dominant win. India's medal tally rises to 22.
India's para-badminton star and flag-bearer, Pramod Bhagat, has continued his dominant run at the Asian Para Games, storming into the men's singles SL3 semifinals. The reigning World and Asian Para Games champion ensured another medal for India after a convincing victory over Japan's Daisuke Fujihara in the quarterfinals.
Pramod Bhagat Dominates on Court
Facing off against world number six Daisuke Fujihara, the world number two Pramod Bhagat left little room for doubt. He secured a straight-games victory, winning 21-12, 21-10. This clinical performance not only guarantees Pramod a spot on the podium but also keeps his mission for the gold medal firmly on track.
The triumph was highlighted by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), which noted that Bhagat's entry into the semifinals has ensured that India will walk away with at least two medals in the para-badminton event.
Success in Mixed Doubles
The celebrations for the Indian badminton contingent didn't stop with the singles. In the mixed SL3-SU5 category, the pair of Pramod Bhagat and Manisha Ramdass also secured their place in the semifinals. The duo displayed exceptional coordination, defeating the Thai pair of Srinavakul Chanida and Teamarrom Siripong with a score of 21-15, 21-14. The match was a one-sided affair, concluding in just 25 minutes and guaranteeing another medal for India.
Medal Haul Across Other Disciplines
While badminton witnessed a surge, other Indian athletes also added to the glory at the continental showpiece:
Para-Shooting and Powerlifting
- Manish Narwal: The former Paralympics champion bagged a silver medal in the men's 10m air pistol SH1. Despite a fifth-place finish in qualifications, Narwal surged in the finals with a score of 233.7. He finished behind South Korea's world record holder Jo Jeongdu (241.3) and ahead of China's Yang Chao.
- Ashok: In para-powerlifting, Ashok clinched a silver medal in the men's 65kg category with a best lift of 192kg, finishing second to China's Zou Yi, who lifted 216kg.
Para-Table Tennis
- Jehan Madan: Secured a silver medal in the men's singles class 1.
- Baby Sahana Ravi: Won a bronze medal in the women's singles Class 9. This is a historic achievement as it marks India's first-ever medal in the standing category of para table tennis at the Asian Para Games.
- Prachi Pandey: Added another bronze to the tally in the women's singles Class 6 event.
India's Growing Tally
With these stellar performances, India's overall medal count at the Asian Para Games has reached 22 medals. This impressive haul consists of five golds, eight silvers, and nine bronze medals. The momentum has been strong since the opening day, where India secured 11 medals, including four golds.