Indian para shuttlers excel in China, bag gold and silvers
Indian para shuttlers Pramod Bhagat, Sukant Kadam and Krishna Nagar showcased resilience and world-class skill at the China Para Badminton International 2025 in Beijing, securing a haul of medals that reinforced Indiaโs rising prominence in global para badminton.
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Pramod Bhagat made a triumphant return after 18 months, claiming the Menโs Singles SL3 gold medal. He overcame a challenging start against Indonesiaโs Muh Al Imran, losing the first set 15-2 before staging a remarkable comeback to win 21-19, 21-16 in a thrilling contest. This victory was especially poignant as Bhagat had missed the Paris Paralympics due to three whereabouts failures.
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In the Menโs Doubles, Bhagat paired with Sukant Kadam to win silver, falling narrowly to compatriots Jagadesh Dilli and Naveen Sivakumar in a gripping final that ended 18-21, 22-20, 18-21.
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World No. 1 Sukant Kadam demonstrated his determination in the Menโs Singles SL4 category, progressing through a tough draw to finish with a silver medal. He was defeated by Franceโs Lucas Mazur 9-21, 8-21 in the final but remained upbeat about his performance.
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Tokyo 2020 Paralympic champion Krishna Nagar contributed another silver in the Menโs Singles SH6 event. He battled Thailandโs Natthapong Meechai in a tense three-setter before succumbing 22-20, 7-21, 17-21.
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Pramod Bhagat expressed his delight, saying, “This gold medal is very special for me. Coming back after 18 months and proving myself again is a priceless feeling. I want to thank my coaches, supporters and everyone who believed in me during the tough phase. This is just the beginning of my comeback story.”
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Sukant Kadam added, “Winning silver in such a competitive field is an honor, but I know I can do better. Lucas played brilliantly, and I will take this match as a learning experience. My aim is to convert silver into gold in the upcoming tournaments. I am grateful to represent India and to make the country proud.”
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Krishna Nagar said, “Every medal motivates me to aim higher. The final was tough, and though I lost, I gave everything on the court. This silver medal reminds me that consistent hard work will push me further. I am committed to coming back stronger, with my focus firmly set on bringing more gold medals for India.”