Indian Para Badminton Highlights: Medal Assured Amid Ankle Injuries and Quarterfinal Berths

India's Sukant Kadam secured a semifinal clash in men's singles SL4 at the Paris Paralympics, guaranteeing a medal for India. Krishna Nagar's title defense ended due to an ankle injury. Mixed doubles pair Sivarajan Solaimalai and Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan fell short in their semifinal. Other Indian players, including Nitesh Kumar and Mandeep Kaur, advanced to the next stages in various categories.

India's Sukant Kadam has assured the country of a medal by setting up a men's singles SL4 semifinal clash against compatriot Suhas Yathiraj at the Paris Paralympics.

In contrast, Krishna Nagar's title defense ended in heartbreak after he sustained an ankle injury. This development marks a mix of triumph and agony for the Indian para badminton camp.

The mixed doubles pair of Sivarajan Solaimalai and Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan also experienced disappointment, as they lost their semifinal to the USA's Miles Krajewski and Jayci Simon. The Indian duo will now compete in the bronze medal playoff.

Sukant Kadam achieved his second consecutive win in the three-player group, defeating Thailand's Teamarrom Siripong 21-12, 21-12, to top group B. Nitesh Kumar, too, delivered a strong performance, qualifying for the semifinals in the SL3 category. Nitesh topped Group A after a straight-game win against Mongkhon Bunsun of Thailand.

Meanwhile, in women's singles events, several Indian players advanced to the next stages. Mandeep Kaur made it to the quarterfinals of the SL3 category by defeating Australia's Vinot Celine Aurelie. Manisha Ramadass, competing in the SU5 class, will play in the quarterfinals after finishing second in her group. Similarly, Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan will play in the SH6 women's singles quarterfinals despite losing her last group match.

(With inputs from agencies.)