Nitesh Kumar Storms into Finals: India's Medal Assured in SL3 Badminton

Top-seeded Indian shuttler Nitesh Kumar secured a medal in the men's singles SL3 category at the Paris Paralympics after defeating Japan's Daisuke Fujihara in the semifinals. Kumar, overcoming a leg injury, will now face Great Britain's Daniel Bethell in the final, assuring India a medal in this category.

Top-seeded Indian shuttler Nitesh Kumar clinched a medal in the men's singles SL3 category after a decisive straight-game win over Japan's Daisuke Fujihara in the Paris Paralympics semifinals on Sunday.

Kumar, 29, who suffered permanent leg damage from a 2009 accident, demonstrated his prowess by winning 21-16, 21-12 in a 48-minute semifinal. An alumnus of IIT Mandi, Kumar ensured that India returns with a medal from the SL3 category, following Pramod Bhagat's gold in Tokyo.

Players in the SL3 class like Kumar compete with significant lower limb disabilities, necessitating play on a half-width court. Kumar awaits a showdown with Great Britain's Daniel Bethell in the final. Bethell, who was the runner-up to Bhagat in Tokyo, defeated Thailand's Bunsun Mongkhon to setup an electrifying final on Monday.

(With inputs from agencies.)