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.
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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.