'Tremendous Achievement': PM Modi Applauds Paralympics Nitesh Kumar For Debut Gold In Paris

Paris Paralympics 2024: Nitesh Kumar from India won the gold medal in Para-Badminton Men's Singles SL3 at the Paris Paralympics 2024, defeating Great Britain's Daniel Bethell in a thrilling match.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded Nitesh Kumar's exceptional skills and perseverance in Para-Badminton.

Source : PTI

Paris Paralympics 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lauded Nitesh Kumar for winning the debut gold medal in the Para-Badminton Men's Singles SL3 category. PM Modi highlighted his exceptional skills and perseverance, wishing that he continues to inspire future athletes of the country.

The 29-year-old athlete defeated Great Britain's Daniel Bethell in an intense men's singles SL3 final, demonstrating outstanding skill and determination. The exciting match, which lasted over 80 minutes, saw Nitesh triumph over the Tokyo 2020 silver medalist in a thrilling three-game contest.

"A tremendous achievement by Nitesh Kumar in the Para Badminton Men's Singles SL3, as he wins the Gold! He is known for his incredible skills and perseverance. May he keep motivating upcoming athletes," tweets PM Narendra Modi. pic.twitter.com/Be4dLPyZM5

— ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2024

According to the Times of India, the journey of Nitesh to Paralympic success has been marked by adversity and an unbreakable spirit. A train accident in 2009 led to the amputation of his left leg.

Inspired by war veterans at the Artificial Limbs Centre in Pune, he discovered comfort and strength in sports and made his para-badminton debut in 2016. The gold medal match was a true reflection of his growth as an athlete.

Facing his opponent who had beaten him nine times before, Nitesh showed impressive calm and strategic skill. He used a mix of precise reverse hits, clever drop shots, and controlled net play to keep Bethell on the defensive.

India Now With Nine Medals In Paris Paralympics 2024

India has now secured nine medals at the Paris Paralympics, including two gold, three silver, and four bronze. The country's eighth medal in the 2024 Paralympics came when Yogesh Kathuniya won silver in the men’s discus F56 final, placing India in the 22nd spot on the medal table.

Nishad Kumar won silver in the men’s high jump T47 final, and Preethi Pal earned bronze in the women’s 200m T35 event yesterday.

India also clinched four medals in shooting, with Avani Lekhara winning gold and Mona Agarwal taking bronze in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1. Manish Narwal won silver in the men’s 10m air pistol SH1, while Rubina Francis earned bronze in the P2 Women’s 10m Air Pistol SH1 event.