Indian para shuttler Nitesh Kumar has made history at the Paris Paralympics by securing his first-ever medal in the men’s singles SL3 category of para badminton. On Sunday, September 1, 2024, Nitesh delivered a commanding performance against Japan’s Daisuke Fujihara in the semifinals, clinching a straight-game victory with scores of 21-16, 21-12 in just 48 minutes.
29-year-old Nitesh is a trained engineer, who has overcome significant challenges, including permanent leg damage from falling out of a moving train in 2009, which caused him to need prostethics on his left foot. Competing in the SL3 class, which includes athletes with severe lower limb disabilities and requires play on a half-width court, Nitesh’s skill and determination were evident throughout the match.
Nitesh’s journey to the Paralympic stage is a testament to his resilience and passion for sports. Initially a football enthusiast, his life took a dramatic turn following an accident in Visakhapatnam that left him bedridden for months. Despite this setback, Nitesh’s love for sports endured, and during his time at IIT-Mandi, he discovered a newfound passion for badminton.
His rise in the sport has been meteoric, with a standout performance at the 2020 Nationals where he claimed gold by defeating renowned players Pramod Bhagat and Manoj Sarkar. This success paved the way for his international achievements and ultimately his Paralympic debut.
In the upcoming final, Nitesh will face a formidable opponent in Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell. Bethell, who was the runner-up to Pramod Bhagat at the Tokyo Games, secured his spot in the final with a decisive 21-7, 21-9 victory over Thailand’s Bunsun Mongkhon. The highly anticipated clash promises to be an electrifying showdown between two elite para shuttlers.
As Nitesh prepares for the final, his story continues to inspire many, reflecting the spirit of perseverance and dedication. The entire nation will be cheering for him as he aims to bring home the gold and etch his name in the annals of Paralympic history.
