Paris Paralympics 2024: Nitesh Kumar bags GOLD in men's singles SL3, takes India's medal tally to 9 (WATCH)

By Sunita Iyer | First Published Sep 2, 2024, 5:06 PM IST

Indian para-badminton star Nitesh Kumar delivered a stellar performance to win the gold medal in the Men's Singles SL3 category at the Paris Paralympics 2024 on Monday.

In a spectacular display of resilience and skill, India's Kumar Nitesh clinched his first-ever gold medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024, defeating Great Britain's Daniel Bethell in a gripping men's singles SL3 badminton final on Monday.

The 29-year-old athlete from Haryana showcased remarkable defense and precision in his shot selection, edging out Bethell with a scoreline of 21-14, 18-21, 23-21 in a match that extended to an intense hour and 20 minutes.

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With this gold-winning feat, India's medal tally at Paris Paralympics stands at 9 - two gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze.

Nitesh nails it!! Second 🥇for India at 😍🥳

The 29-year-old becomes the third para shuttler in the Men’s Singles SL3 category to win a medal for , and he did so without losing a single match 🤯at .

5 matches. 5 wins ✅

In the… pic.twitter.com/eGBRfoigHd

— SAI Media (@Media_SAI)

💥🏸 𝗡𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀𝗵 𝗵𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗹𝗱! Congratulations to him on winning his first Paralympic medal and India's second gold medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024.

👉 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁… pic.twitter.com/AEzYIiMWHs

— Sportwalk Media (@sportwalkmedia)

| Nitesh Kumar wins Gold Medal, 2nd for 🇮🇳 in Men's Singles SL3 category.

He defeats 2nd seeded 🇬🇧's Daniel Bethell 21-14, 18-21, 23-21 in a 3-set nail-biting thriller.

(📸: Khel India/x) pic.twitter.com/b1M1DYPYKf

— The Bridge (@the_bridge_in)

The match was a nail-biting encounter, with both players showcasing incredible skill and determination. Nitesh started strong, taking the first set 21-14. However, Bethell fought back in the second set, winning it 21-18, pushing the match into a decisive third set.

The final set was a true test of nerves, with the scores staying neck-and-neck. Nitesh held his composure to edge out Bethell 23-21, sealing the gold for India.

NITESH KUMAR - THE GOLD MEDAL MOMENT. 👌

- One for the History of India in Paralympics. pic.twitter.com/kmhLrZAAV2

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)

Nitesh's triumph is especially poignant given his journey to the top. At the age of 15, he lost his left leg in a tragic train accident in Visakhapatnam in 2009. Despite the life-altering incident, Nitesh recovered from the trauma and discovered his passion for para badminton, ultimately leading him to this historic victory.

Competing in the SL3 class, which includes players with severe lower limb disabilities, Nitesh played on a half-width court, demonstrating extraordinary agility and strategy. His victory not only marks a personal achievement but also continues India's dominance in the SL3 category. Three years ago, Pramod Bhagat secured the gold in this category when para badminton made its debut at the Tokyo Paralympics.

Earlier today, India's Yogesh Kathuniya clinched his second consecutive Paralympic silver medal in men's discus throw F-56 event with a season's best effort 42.22m.

The 27-year-old secured a podium finish with his very first discus throw, adding to the silver medal he earned at the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago.

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