Indian para-badminton players have shone at the China Para Badminton International 2025, securing multiple medals and demonstrating the country's strength in the sport. The tournament witnessed outstanding performances from Pramod Bhagat, Sukant Kadam, and Krishna Nagar.
Pramod Bhagat made a triumphant comeback to the international circuit after 18 months, clinching the gold medal in the Men's Singles SL3 category. This victory holds particular significance for Bhagat, as he had been away from international competition due to missing the Paris Paralympics. In a thrilling final against Indonesia's Muh Al Imran, Bhagat recovered from losing the first set 15-21 to win the next two sets 21-19, 21-16, securing the gold.
Adding to his accomplishments, Pramod Bhagat also secured a silver medal in the Men's Doubles event, partnering with Sukant Kadam. The pair faced a tough challenge from their compatriots, Jagadesh Dilli and Naveen Sivakumar, in a closely contested final, which ended 18-21, 22-20, 18-21.
Sukant Kadam, the world No. 1, displayed great resilience and skill in the Men's Singles SL4 category, ultimately winning a silver medal. Kadam faced France's Lucas Mazur in the final, losing 9-21, 8-21, but remained positive about his performance throughout the tournament.
Krishna Nagar, the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic champion, further contributed to India's medal count by securing a silver medal in the Men's Singles SH6 event. Nagar engaged in a tightly fought match against Thailand's Natthapong Meechai, which extended to three sets, before settling for the second position with a final score of 22-20, 7-21, 17-21.
Pramod Bhagat expressed his joy and gratitude after his victory, stating that the gold medal was very special to him, especially after returning from a long break. He thanked his coaches, supporters, and everyone who believed in him during the tough times, emphasizing that this is just the beginning of his comeback journey. Sukant Kadam also shared his thoughts on winning the silver medal, acknowledging the high level of competition and expressing his determination for future tournaments.
The performances of Pramod Bhagat, Sukant Kadam, and Krishna Nagar at the China Para Badminton International 2025 highlight India's growing prominence in the global para-badminton arena. Their success is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and unwavering spirit, inspiring aspiring athletes across the nation.