On Monday, Nitesh Kumar, a para badminton player from Charkhi Dadri, Haryana, wins India’s second gold medal at the Paris Paralympics in Para badminton, after beating Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell in the final of men’s singles SL3 category. SL3 class players, like Nitesh, compete with more severe lower limb disabilities, requiring play on a half-width court.
The 29-year-old Nitesh, who overcame permanent leg damage from a 2009 accident, showed his dominance with a win over Bethell in the final. He is graduated from IIT Mandi graduate and ensured that India return with a medal from the SL3 category, after Pramod Bhagat clinched the gold when para badminton made its debut three years ago in Tokyo.
Growing up Nitesh’s first love was football. However, a tragic accident in Vizag in 2009 shattered his aspirations, leaving him bedridden for months and led to permanent leg damage. Despite this setback, Nitesh’s love for sports remained unwavering.
In 2016, Nitesh seized the opportunity to represent Haryana at the Para Nationals in Faridabad. He won a bronze medal, showcasing his immense potential. The following year, he continued his success, clinching silver in singles and bronze in doubles at the national championships.
In 2020, Nitesh’s defeated Tokyo Paralympic medalists Pramod and Manoj to secure the gold medal at the National Championship. His dominance on the domestic tournament cemented his position as one of India’s leading para-badminton athletes.
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