Indian Duo Triumphs in Paralympic Mixed Doubles Badminton

Nitesh Kumar and Thulasimathi Murugesan, representing India, successfully defeated Suhas Yathiraj and Palak Kohli in the opening group stage of badminton mixed doubles (SL3-SU5) at the Paralympic Games. The duo secured a 21-14, 21-17 victory in just 31 minutes. Their superior net play and deep tosses were key to their win.

India's Nitesh Kumar and Thulasimathi Murugesan had little difficulty overcoming their countrymates, Suhas Yathiraj and Palak Kohli, in the opening group stage match of badminton mixed doubles (SL3-SU5) at the Paralympic Games on Thursday.

The Nitesh-Thulasimathi duo clinched the Group A contest with a dominant 21-14, 21-17 victory in just 31 minutes.

Nitesh, 29, from Haryana's Karnal district, and Thulasimathi, a young veterinary science student from Tamil Nadu who secured mixed bronze at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, faced minimal challenge in the first game, leading by seven points at one stage. Their opponents struggled to counter their precise net play and deep tosses, conceding the game in 14 minutes.

The second game saw a repeating pattern, with Palak unable to match her senior partner's court prowess, resulting in further point giveaways.

SL3 players experience moderate impairments on one side of their body or the absence of limbs, while SU5 players deal with significant upper limb impairments.

(With inputs from agencies.)