New Delhi: When Pramod Bhagat was banned for 18 months for violating anti-doping regulations ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympics, India’s hopes, albeit faint after the suspension, of defending the para-badminton title in the SL3 category rested on the shoulders of Nitesh Kumar. Pramod tasked Nitesh to do everything in his power to keep the gold in India.
It was understandable that the Haryana para-shuttler, who came to Paris with pressure of coming good on the promise, made his first phone call after defending the crown to the Tokyo 2020 champion Pramod.
TOKYO, JAPAN – SEPTEMBER 04: Gold medalist Pramod Bhagat of Team India poses on the podium at the medal ceremony for the Men’s Singles SL3 on day 11 of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at Yoyogi National Stadium on September 04, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Getty Images)
“More than me winning gold, it was important that we keep the SL3 title in India,” Nitesh told Pramod as quoted by Indian Express.
More than an individual achievement, Nitesh saw this a chance of establishing an Indian dynasty in the highly-competitve SL 3 classification.
Ironically, British shuttler Daniel Bethell, found himself at the wrong end of the result for the second successive Paralympic final. Despite holding a Championship point, Bethell lost a gripping final 14-21, 21-18, 21-23 against an inspired Nitesh, who claimed India’s second gold at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Nitesh curbed his natural game, even if it meant steering clear of flashy shots and resolute defending in his bid to keep the promise to Pramod.
“It’s funny because the first person in my life who ever told me that I have good badminton strokes was Pramod bhaiyya in 2016 right after we met,” said Nitesh after winning the gold.
The Virat Kohli effect
Nitesh was always fond of sports and developed a passion for football in his young days. But tragedy struck, when Nitesh lost his left leg in a train accident at the age of 15. Despite the trauma, Nitesh’s father urged his son to adopt a never-give-up attitude and pushed him to pursue studies.
His father’s advice worked wonders as he had cracked IIT Mandi and started on electrical engineering and later found his calling on the badminton court of the college campus.
If cracking IIT was difficult, preparing for Para Games was even harder. That’s when Nitesh took inspiration from legendary Indian cricketer Virat Kohli.
“That was the time of Virat Kohli’s peak. And I was impressed with his dedication to top fitness, and how his diet, schedule was aimed towards that. His self belief was an inspiration in how no sacrifice is too big to chase winning,” Nitesh added.
Nitesh Kumar curbed his natural game, even if it meant steering clear of flashy shots and defending resolutely in his bid to keep the promise to Tokyo 2020 champion Pramod Bhagat. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
