Indian para-shuttler Nitesh Kumar created history at the Paris 2024 Paralympics by winning the gold medal in the men’s singles SL3 category, a category for athletes who have a disability in one or both lower limbs and poor balance in walking or running. 29-year-old Nitesh Kumar became the third Indian to achieve this remarkable feat, performing brilliantly throughout the tournament by remaining undefeated in all his matches. The final match was full of ups and downs, with Nitesh eventually registering a thrilling 21-14, 18-21, 23-21 win over Daniel Bethell of Great Britain. His victory comes after shooter Avani Lekhara’s earlier win, giving India its second gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games.
Start and successes
Born on 30 December 1994 and hailing from Charkhi Dadri in Haryana, Nitesh Kumar is currently ranked World No. 1 in the men’s singles SL3 category. His journey reflects an extraordinary commitment to both education and sport. An Electrical Engineering graduate from IIT-Mandi, Nitesh’s passion for sports began with football in his childhood. However, a life-changing accident in 2009 permanently damaged his leg. Despite this, his love for sports persisted, especially during his time at IIT-Mandi, where he developed a keen interest in badminton.
Nitesh’s journey in parasports began with a conference for persons with disabilities, which opened new doors for him in the world of competitive sports. In 2016, he made his debut at the Para Nationals in Faridabad representing Haryana and won a bronze medal. The following year, he won a silver in singles and a bronze in doubles at the Bengaluru Para Nationals, cementing his reputation in para-badminton.
His domestic success peaked at the 2020 Nationals, where he won the gold medal defeating Tokyo Paralympic medallists Pramod and Manoj. Nitesh has also earned several international accolades, and his extraordinary journey has now led him to the grand stage of the Paralympics, where he is set to make his mark.
Steps Towards Success in Para-Badminton
Nitesh Kumar has established himself as one of India’s leading para-badminton players, demonstrating remarkable skill and determination at both the national and international stages. His journey through various prestigious tournaments has recorded several impressive achievements, reflecting his consistent performance and dedication to the sport.
