2024-09-02 21:14:00
Paris: Top seeded Indian para badminton player Nitesh Kumar on Sunday entered the men’s singles SL3 category final with a stunning straight-game win over Japan’s Daisuke Fujihara in the semi-finals of the Paris Paralympics to ensure a medal. Nitesh (29) dominated the semi-finals of the SL3 category 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. Nitesh, a graduate from IIT Mandi, thus ensured that India returned with a medal from the SL3 category. Pramod Bhagat won a gold medal in para badminton in Tokyo three years ago.Nitesh will face Daniel Bethel in the final on Monday
Players in the SL3 category compete with lower limb disabilities. Nitesh will face Britain’s Daniel Bethell in the final on Monday who defeated Thailand’s Bunson Mongkhon 21-7, 21-9 in the other semi-final. Bethell, who finished second to Pramod Bhagat at the Tokyo Paralympics, is now a strong rival for Nitesh. Nitesh’s sporting journey began with a passion for football in his childhood. He, however, had to remain bedridden for months due to an accident in Visakhapatnam. His leg was permanently damaged in the accident. Despite this, his interest in sports remained. He developed a keen interest in badminton while studying at IIT-Mandi.
Nitya Sivan Sumati won the quarter finals
Nitya Sivan Sumati defeated Poland’s Olivia Szmigil 21-4, 21-7 in the quarter-finals of the women’s SH6 category. She will face China’s Lin Shuangbao in the semi-finals. The Chinese player defeated Nitya in a close match in the group stage. Earlier, Manisha Ramdas made it to the women’s singles semi-finals in the SU5 category where she will face compatriot Tulsimati Murugesan, ensuring India’s medal in the event.