A historic run: India's best medal return in para-badminton at Paralympics 2024

India’s para-badminton players delivered an extraordinary performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, making history with their best-ever showing.

The country earned a record 29 medals—seven gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze—securing 18th place on the overall medals table.

This marks India's most successful Paralympic Games to date, with para-badminton playing a key role in this achievement.

India’s para-badminton players have made their mark at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, setting new records and achieving remarkable success.

With Nitesh Kumar’s gold, the historic medals by Murugesan and Ramadass, and Yathiraj’s consistent performance, along with Sivan’s breakthrough, Indian para-badminton has shown it is a rising force on the global stage.

Nitesh Kumar: Gold Medal Triumph

Nitesh Kumar captured the spotlight with his thrilling win in the Men’s Singles SL3 category. Kumar faced Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell in a nail-biting final, where he emerged victorious with scores of 21-14, 18-21, 23-21.

This win was especially sweet for Kumar, who had lost to Bethell in their previous nine encounters.

Kumar’s journey to gold is remarkable, considering he overcame a serious leg injury in 2009 and later developed a passion for badminton during his studies at IIT Mandi.

India celebrated its first-ever gold medal in para-badminton at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, marking a historic milestone for the sport in the country.

Thulasimathi Murugesan and Manisha Ramadas

In the Women’s Singles SU5 category, Thulasimathi Murugesan and Manisha Ramadass made history, with Murugesan winning silver and becoming the first Indian woman to reach the final in Paralympic badminton.

Although she lost to China’s Yang Qiuxia in the final, her achievement is a landmark for Indian women in the sport.

Ramadass, at just 19, secured bronze with a commanding win over Denmark’s Cathrine Rosengren in the bronze medal match, the first time an Indian woman earned a medal in badminton at the Paralympics.

Suhas Yathiraj: Silver Medal

Suhas Yathiraj earned a silver medal in the Men’s Singles SL4 class, repeating his performance from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

In a rematch of the Tokyo final, Yathiraj faced France’s Lucas Mazur.

Despite a strong effort, Yathiraj finished second, with Mazur winning 21-9, 21-13.

Yathiraj’s ability to compete at the highest level across two Paralympic Games showcases his remarkable talent and consistency.

Nithya Sre Sivan: Bronze in SH6 Class

Nithya Sre Sivan won bronze in the Women’s Singles SH6 class, a new addition to the Paralympic badminton lineup.

At just 19, Sivan displayed great skill and focus, defeating Indonesia’s Rina Marlina 21-14, 21-6. This bronze added to India’s impressive medal tally on a day when five out of eight medals were in badminton.

The Big Upset

India’s Krishna Nagar couldn’t defend his men’s singles SH6 Paralympic title at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

He retired mid-game against Thailand’s Natthapong Meechai during their final group stage match.

Nagar, who was seeded third, was behind 20-22, 3-11 when he withdrew. He had also lost his opening match to the USA’s Miles Krajewski, making it impossible to advance to the semifinals.

Nagar had previously won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.