Nitesh Kumar clinched the gold medal in the Men’s Singles SL3 badminton event at the Paris Paralympics 2024 on Monday. He defeated England’s Daniel Bethell in a thrilling match with scores of 21-14, 18-21, 23-21.
Nitesh displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout the match. He dominated the first game, but Bethell responded strongly, forcing a deciding game. Both athletes delivered outstanding performances in the final game, but Nitesh ultimately secured the victory.
This win makes Nitesh the second Indian athlete to win a gold medal at the Paris Paralympics, following Avani Lekhara’s historic achievement in the women’s 10m air rifle shooting standing SH1 event.
The SL3 class is for badminton players with significant lower limb disabilities. Matches in this category are played on a half-width court, focusing on agility and precision.
Nitesh’s story is one of remarkable resilience. In 2009, he lost his left leg in a train accident in Visakhapatnam, which left him bedridden for months. Despite this setback, he dedicated himself to preparing for the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) entrance exams, eventually joining IIT Mandi in 2013.
It was during his time at IIT Mandi that Nitesh developed a passion for badminton. He began his para-badminton career in 2016, representing Haryana in the Para National Championships. His first international title came in 2017 at the Irish Para-Badminton International.
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Since then, Nitesh has won multiple titles, including victories in the BWF Para-Badminton World Circuit and the Asian Para Games. In addition to his achievements on the court, Nitesh also serves as a Senior Badminton Coach for the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs in Haryana.
Nitesh Kumar’s journey from a tragic accident to Paralympic glory is a testament to his determination and hard work. His achievements continue to inspire countless individuals, proving that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.
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