New Delhi: Indian para-badminton star Nitesh Kumar clinched his maiden gold medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024, defeating Daniel Bethell of Great Britain in a gruelling men’s singles SL3 badminton final at the La Chapelle Arena on Monday. Nitesh’s defence stood like a rock and the shuttler was spot on with his shot selections as he fared much better than his Tokyo silver medallist opponent, beating him 21-14, 18-21, 23-21.
It was an absorbing contest that lasted for an hour and 20 minutes and brought a second gold medal for India from the ongoing sporting spectacle. The 29-year-old from Haryana could have put the match to bed in the second game but the British para-athlete pulled out a hat-trick of points to win Game 2 and take the affair to a deciding final game.
The SL3 category includes the players who compete with more severe lower limb disabilities for which they have to play on a half-width court. It was star para-shooter Avani Lekhara who opened India’s account in the ongoing Games as she successfully defended her gold medal. Nitesh, on Sunday, assured India of a medal in SL3 with a 21-16, 21-12 win over Japan’s Daisuke Fujihara in the semifinal.
His triumph on Monday ensured that India retained the SL3 gold after Pramod Bhagat’s notable victory three years ago when para-badminton debuted at the Paralympics in Tokyo. Nitesh lost his left leg in a train accident in Visakhapatnam when he was 15 but left the trauma behind successfully and realised his calling in para-badminton.
Nitesh has brought home India’s ninth medal from the Paris Paralympics and courtesy of a second gold, India have jumped to 22nd spot in the medals tally. His triumph has brought numerous reactions on social media, applauding the giant feat.
Here’s how “X” (formerly Twitter) reacted to Nitesh Kumar’s gold medal win at the Paralympics –
Golden glory for India! 🇮🇳
Many congratulations to Nitesh Kumar, for clinching the gold medal🥇 in men’s singles SL3 badminton at the #ParisParalympics2024!
Your ingenuity, dedication, unrelenting passion, and remarkable resilience have paid off. This triumph is a testament to… pic.twitter.com/NXQV69ig6d
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) September 2, 2024
Congratulate para shuttler, #NiteshKumar on winning gold medal in men’s singles badminton SL3 event in the #ParisParalympics2024. His win will inspire youngsters to embrace sports and win laurels for the country. Wish him best for future. pic.twitter.com/HfYgaoE9x8
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) September 2, 2024
What a triumph for Nitesh Kumar! He just defeated Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell in the men’s singles SL3 gold medal match. by 21-14 18-21 23-21 Even sweeter, this is Nitesh’s first-ever win over Bethell. #ParaBadminton #Paris2024 #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/VuwAPUGiCO
— अंशुल चव्हाण । Anshul Chavhan (@anshul_chavhan) September 2, 2024
INDIA IS PROUD OF YOU, NITESH KUMAR 🫡
– An Inspirational story, 🥇 Medal in Paralympics…!!!!! pic.twitter.com/sWhsn8L3Au
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 2, 2024
NITESH KUMAR WINS THE GOLD MEDAL AT THE PARIS PARALYMPICS. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/DKfchuQQ4M
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 2, 2024
Nitesh Kumar claimed an emphatic win over Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell in the men’s singles badminton SL3 event, winning India’s second gold medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024 on Monday. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
