2024-09-02 16:41:26
Paris: Tokyo stage silver medallist Suhas Yathiraj reached the men’s singles badminton SL4 final on Sunday by defeating compatriot Sukant Kadam in straight games and is set to become the first Indian shuttler to win two consecutive medals at the Paralympics. 41-year-old Suhas, a 2007 batch IAS officer, defeated Sukant 21-17, 21-12 to once again make it to the Paralympics final. Suhas, who served as the District Magistrate of Gautam Buddh Nagar during the COVID-19 pandemic, was also the DM of Prayagraj. In the final, he will now face Lucas Mazur of France, who will be looking to take revenge after losing to him in the final of the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago. Sukant will now play for the bronze medal. Computer engineer-turned-IAS officer Suhas never let his ankle weakness hinder his passion for badminton. Currently posted as Secretary and Director General of Youth Welfare and Provincial Guard Corps under the Uttar Pradesh government, Suhas’ journey from administration to the badminton court is all about his remarkable perseverance. With his win, Suhas joins Nitesh Kumar (SL3) in keeping India’s gold medal hopes alive at the Paris Paralympics.
Nitish Kumar is also in the final
Top seeded Indian para badminton player Nitesh Kumar on Sunday assured himself of a medal by entering the men’s singles SL3 final with a stunning straight-game win over Japan’s Daisuke Fujihara in the semi-finals of the Paris Paralympics. Nitesh (29) dominated the semi-finals with a 21-16 21-12 win over Fujihara in a 48-minute semi-final. His leg was permanently disabled in an accident in 2009.
Manisha Ramdas will face her compatriot in the semi-finals
Manisha Ramdas made it to the women’s singles semifinals in the SU5 category where she will face compatriot Thulasimati Murugesan, ensuring India a medal in the event. Manisha, who has a birth defect in her right hand, had no trouble defeating Japan’s Mamiko Toyoda 21-13 21-16 in the quarterfinals. The second seeded Indian player knocked out her unseeded opponent in just 30 minutes. In the last four, Manisha will face top seed Thulasimati, who defeated Portugal’s Beatriz Monteiro in Group A on Saturday.