Nitesh Kumar Creates History; Wins His First Gold Medal in Paris Paralympics

Indian para-shuttler Nitesh Kumar has once again proved his athletic excellence by winning his first gold medal in the men's singles SL3 event at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024. This win can be considered nothing less than a historic athletic triumph.

In a thrilling three-game showdown, Nitesh Kumar, making his debut at the Paralympic Games, secured victory against Daniel Bethell of Great Britain, the Tokyo Paralympics silver medallist. Nitesh’s remarkable talent and perseverance were on full display as he triumphed in his first Paralympic competition.

Final Match: The Gruelling 80 Minutes

The final match at La Chapelle Arena Court 1 was a tough 80-minute battle between top-seeded Nitesh and second-seeded Bethell. Both players showed incredible athleticism and determination, pushing each other to their limits. The match was a real test of endurance and mental strength.

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Nitesh Kumar: Golden Path To Victory

After lagging in the first half of the match, Nitesh eventually regained his rhythm and won the first game with a score of 21-14. The first set took 33 minutes to complete. However, in the second game, Bethell put on a good showing and won 21–18, forcing a deciding third game.

The third and the decisive set was an anxious affair, with the lead alternating between the two competitors. At 20–19, Nitesh had his first gold medal point; however, Bethell was able to save his last chance, scoring a gold medal point at 21–20 for himself. However, Nitesh's perseverance and tenacity were evident as he won the next three points after saving Bethell's match point. 

The ultimate result was 23-21 in favor of the Indian athlete Nitesh Kumar, thus earning him his first gold medal in the Paris Paralympics.

Paris Paralympics: India’s Current Medal Tally

With the win in the Men’s Singles Badminton event, India currently stands at the overall 15th position with a total of 15 medals in its name. The latest number of gold medals stands at three, with Avani Lekhara being the first to win a gold medal in shooting, followed by Nitesh Kumar in badminton. The latest gold medal came from Sumit Antil in the Javelin Throw event.

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