Nagoya, Japan: India’s Nitesh Kumar clinched the gold medal in men’s singles SL3 badminton at the Asian Para Games 2026, defeating compatriot and six-time world champion Pramod Bhagat in straight games on Friday. Nitesh won the final 21–18, 21–16, while Bhagat had to settle for the silver medal.
The contest brought together two of India’s leading para-badminton stars, both Paralympic gold medallists. Nitesh won the men’s singles SL3 title at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, while Bhagat claimed the corresponding gold at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, held in 2021.
Nitesh Holds His Nerve in a Closely Contested Final
Nitesh displayed composure and consistency throughout the match. The opening game featured a close contest, with both players fighting hard to gain an advantage. Nitesh secured the crucial points to take the game 21–18.
Bhagat continued to challenge his opponent in the second game, but Nitesh maintained his momentum and capitalised on key opportunities. He won the game 21–16 to seal the championship in straight games.
The victory added another major achievement to Nitesh’s growing list of international honours and secured India’s top podium position in the men’s singles SL3 category.
Bhagat, 38, received the silver medal. He had previously won gold in the men’s singles SL3 event at the 2018 and 2022 Asian Para Games, making this final another significant chapter in his career.
Nitesh Kumar: From an Accident to Paralympic Glory
Born on December 30, 1994, Nitesh Kumar hails from Charkhi Dadri in Haryana. He studied electrical engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mandi, and initially had a strong interest in football.
His life changed in 2009 when a train accident in Visakhapatnam left him with permanent damage to his left leg. The injury kept him bedridden for several months, but he remained determined to continue pursuing sports.
During his time at IIT Mandi, Nitesh developed a passion for badminton. What began as an interest gradually grew into a competitive sporting career, eventually leading him to para-badminton.
He made his national-level debut at the Para Nationals in Faridabad in 2016, winning a bronze medal. In 2017, he secured silver in singles and bronze in doubles, establishing himself as a promising player.
His breakthrough at the domestic level came in 2020, when he defeated Pramod Bhagat and Manoj Sarkar at the National Championships to win gold.
Nitesh continued to progress internationally. At the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, officially designated the 2022 Asian Para Games, he won gold in men’s doubles, silver in men’s singles and bronze in mixed doubles.
His biggest career achievement came at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where he won the men’s singles SL3 gold medal, defeating Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell in the final.
His latest Asian Para Games victory further strengthens his position among India’s leading para-badminton players.
Pramod Bhagat: A Six-Time World Champion
Pramod Bhagat’s journey has also been marked by determination and outstanding sporting achievements. Born on June 4, 1988, in Bihar’s Vaishali district, he was affected by polio at around four or five years of age, which impaired his left leg.
He later lived with relatives in Atabira in Odisha’s Bargarh district. Watching children play badminton in his neighbourhood sparked his interest in the sport, eventually motivating him to pursue it professionally.
Bhagat stepped up his efforts in national and international para-badminton competitions in 2006. Through years of hard work, he became one of India’s most successful players in the sport.
At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, held in 2021, Bhagat defeated Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell 21–14, 21–17 in the men’s singles SL3 final to win gold. His triumph made him India’s first Paralympic gold medallist in para-badminton.
He has also won multiple medals at the world championships and achieved the distinction of becoming a six-time world champion.
His silver medal at the 2026 Asian Para Games adds to an already remarkable career, even as he misses out on a third Asian Para Games singles title.
Indian Para Badminton Continues to Shine
The all-Indian final highlighted the depth of talent in the country’s para-badminton programme. Nitesh’s victory and Bhagat’s silver ensured that India secured the top two positions in the men’s singles SL3 event.
Both athletes have overcome significant personal and sporting challenges to reach the highest levels of international competition. Their performances at the Asian Para Games reflect years of training, determination and sustained success on the global stage.
For Nitesh, the gold medal represents another milestone after his Paralympic triumph in Paris. For Bhagat, the silver adds to a career that has already brought him multiple world and international titles.
