Nitesh's gold medal marks India's ninth medal at the Paris Paralympics and the second gold of the event...
Digital Desk: India’s Nitesh Kumar achieved a historic milestone at the Paris Paralympics 2024 by clinching the gold medal in the men's singles SL3 badminton competition on September 2. In a dramatic three-game final, top-seeded Nitesh triumphed over Great Britain's Daniel Bethell, winning 21-14, 18-21, and 23-21. The match was a display of high-intensity competition, with both players battling the challenging sideways drift on La Chapelle Arena Court 1.
This victory was particularly significant for Nitesh, who had faced Bethell nine times before but had never managed to defeat him. Nitesh's gold medal marks India's ninth medal at the Paris Paralympics and the second gold of the event, following shooter Avani Lekhara's earlier triumph. It is also India's first-ever badminton medal at the Paralympic Games, a testament to Nitesh's extraordinary skill and determination.
The match was characterized by long rallies, especially in the first game, where Nitesh secured a 21-14 victory after an exhausting 31-minute battle that included a marathon 122-shot rally. As the match progressed, both players adjusted their strategies, with quick exchanges defining the subsequent games. Nitesh's powerful smashes and calm under pressure proved decisive in the final moments.
Bethell struggled to maintain control in the third and final game, particularly as the court's drift played havoc with his shots. Despite a late comeback attempt, errors crept into his game, sealing the victory for Nitesh.
With this win, India continues its impressive run at the Paris Paralympics, and the badminton contingent is poised to add more medals later in the day, with several athletes competing in finals.
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