Who Is Nitesh Kumar, IITian Who Won Badminton Gold At Paris Paralympics 2024

Even when the odds were stacked against him, Nitesh Kumar managed to win the gold in the men’s singles SL3 category of Paris Paralympics 2024.

Nitesh Kumar bagged the gold medal in the men’s singles SL3 category of Paris Paralympics 2024.

Source : X/@vinayakkm

Nitesh Kumar clinched gold medal for India in the Paris Paralympics 2024 on Monday (September 2). His gold help India jump many places on the medals tally. It was the country's second gold in the ongoing edition of the Paralympic Games. While Nitesh had assured India of a medal by securing a place in the final, not many gave him a chance against Great Britain's Daniel Bethell in the final of the men’s singles SL3 category in badminton.

The reason: Well, Nitesh had never beaten the British opponent in his career before. But perhaps in the most important match of his career so far, he came to the party and struck gold big time, defeating Daniel Bethell in a thrilling clash. Notably, Nitesh ovecame a permanent leg damage from a 2009 accident and took to para-sports.

READ HERE | Paris Paralympics 2024: Nitesh Kumar Clinches Gold Medal In Men's Singles Badminton SL3 Final

Nitesh Kumar: A Graduate From IIT Mandi

The badminton court isn't the only field where Nitesh Kumar excelled. The 29-year-old happens to be a graduate from IIT Mandi, a testimony of his academic ability. His medal in the SL3 categort comes after after Pramod Bhagat won the gold which was when Pramod Bhagat had brought India the gold in para-badminton.

With Suhas Yethiraj also assured of a medal in the French Capital later this evening, para-badminton will be one of the most successful disciplines for India in this edition of the Paralympic Games. 

Nitesh Kumar was born in Charkhi Dadri, Haryana. He was initially drawn towards football but an accident meant he sustained a permanenet leg damage. It was while he studied in Mandi that he felt that he realised his passion for badminton and even challenged the able-bodied for a match, in order to improve his skills.

He started at the state level and slowly rose in the national circuit before going on to establish himself as one of the best para-badminton stars of the world.

Nitesh Kumar Medals

Asian Para Games (2022) – Gold Medal in MD
Asian Para Games (2022) – Silver Medal in MS
Asian Para Games (2022) – Bronze Medal in XD
Asian Para Games (2018) – Bronze Medal in MD
World Championship (2024) – Bronze Medal in MS
World Championship (2022) – Silver Medal in MS
World Championship (2019) – Silver Medal in MD