Nitesh Kumar Shoulders Extra Responsibility to Clinch Gold at Paralympics

Nitesh Kumar, India's gold medalist in badminton men's singles at the Paralympics, felt extra responsibility in the absence of Pramod Bhagat. Alongside other medalists, he was felicitated by the minister of youth affairs and sports. Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya praised the athletes' achievements and expressed optimism for more medals.

Nitesh Kumar, India's gold medal winner in badminton men's singles at the Paralympics, acknowledged that Pramod Bhagat's absence imposed an 'extra responsibility' on him to secure the title. Kumar, who claimed the gold in men's singles SLC category, was among the athletes felicitated on Wednesday by the minister of youth affairs and sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, at the SAI headquarters.

"It was a responsibility to win, especially with Pramod unable to participate," Kumar told PTI in an exclusive interaction. "Entering the final, I knew it would be intense and mentally tough. I had the confidence to be superior and at my best," he stated.

Sports minister Mandaviya lauded the Indian contingent for the country's best-ever medal haul, and expressed hopes for continued success. "We still have a chance to win 11 more medals," he said. Suhas Yathiraj, who secured a silver medal, emphasized the challenge in winning and what it means for his future in the sport.

(With inputs from agencies.)