Indian Para Shuttlers Excel on Day 3 of Paralympics

Indian para shuttlers delivered stellar performances on day 3 of the Paralympic badminton event, with several athletes advancing to the next stages. Despite some challenges, India remains hopeful in the Paris 2024 Paralympics with its largest contingent ever, aiming to surpass its Tokyo 2020 achievements.

Indian para shuttlers delivered stellar performances on Day 3 of the Paralympic Badminton event, with several athletes advancing to the next stages of the competition. In the men's SL3 category, Kumar Nitesh displayed dominance, securing a straight-sets victory against China's Yang Jianyuan, 21-5, 21-11, solidifying his tournament position.

In the SL4 category, Suhas L Yathiraj put on a thrilling show against Korea's Shin Kyung Hwan. The first set was tightly contested, but Suhas took an early lead in the second set and maintained it to clinch the match, 26-24, 21-14. Thulsimathi Murugesan also impressed by defeating Portugal's Beatriz Monterio in straight sets, 21-12, 21-8, reaching the semifinals. Nithya Sre marked her presence by beating Chinese Taipei's Cai Yi-Lin, 21-12, 21-19.

However, challenges emerged as Mansi Joshi, despite a valiant effort, lost to Ukraine's Oksana Kozyna in a hard-fought three-set match, ending her campaign. Manoj Sarkar faced a tough opponent in Thailand's Mongkhon Bunsun, losing in straight sets, 19-21, 8-21. Palak Kohli also went down fighting against Indonesia's Leani Ratri Oktila, with scores of 21-18, 5-21, 13-21.

This year, India has sent its largest Paralympics contingent ever, comprising 84 athletes across 12 sports, showcasing the country's growing para-sports ecosystem. India's participation in the Paris 2024 Paralympics marks a rise in medal hopes, aiming to surpass their Tokyo 2020 achievements where they won 19 medals, including five golds, eight silvers, and six bronzes.

(With inputs from agencies.)