India's Para-Badminton Stars Shine at Paris Paralympics

India's para-badminton team had notable successes at the Paris Paralympics, with Nitesh Kumar and Sukant Kadam advancing to the knockout stages in men’s events. Mandeep Kaur also reached the knockout stage in women's singles. India has secured four medals including a historic gold by Avani Lekhara.

India's para-badminton campaign at the Paris Paralympics continued to thrive, as Nitesh Kumar, Manoj Sarkar, and Sukant Kadam secured victories in men's competitions while Mandeep Kaur triumphed in women's singles on Saturday. Although Manoj Sarkar did not reach the knockout stages, both Sukant and Nitesh advanced.

Competing in SL3 Group A, Nitesh Kumar defeated Thailand's Mongkhon Bunsun with scores of 21-13, 21-14 in straight games, maintaining a perfect record of three wins in three matches to qualify for the knockouts. Manoj Sarkar, despite a victory over China's Yang Jianyuan by 21-15, 21-11, did not qualify for the knockouts, finishing third in his group. The Tokyo Paralympics 2020 bronze medalist will return home without a singles medal.

Sukant Kadam, in Group B of the SL4 category, reached the knockout stage with a win over Thailand's Siripong Teamarrom, scoring 21-12, 21-12. He secured two wins to advance. Mandeep Kaur, in the women's singles SL3 Group B category, triumphed over Australia's Celine Vinot with scores of 21-23, 21-10, 21-17, marking her first win and advancement to the knockouts.

India has secured four medals in the ongoing Paralympics, including gold, silver, and two bronze medals. Avani Lekhara achieved a historic gold in the women's R2 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, her second consecutive Paralympic gold. Mona Agarwal also earned bronze in the same competition. Manish Narwal won silver in the men's P1 10m air pistol SH1, adding to his previous gold in the mixed P4 50m pistol SH1 event.

Athlete Preethi Pal claimed bronze in the women's T35 100m race, recording a personal best of 14.21 seconds. This year, India has sent its largest contingent ever to the Paralympics, with 84 athletes competing in 12 sports, reflecting the nation's growing para-sports ecosystem.

The Paris 2024 Paralympics aim to surpass India's previous achievements in Tokyo 2020, where the country's para-athletes secured 19 medals, including five golds. The Indian badminton team alone brought home four medals in Tokyo, making it the country's most successful Paralympic Games to date. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)