Indian Para Shuttlers Shine at Paris Paralympics
Suhas Yathiraj and Kumar Nitesh Lead the Way
Indian para shuttlers displayed exceptional performances on Day 3 of the Paralympic Badminton event in Paris. In the men’s SL3 category, Kumar Nitesh showcased his dominance with a commanding win over China’s Yang Jianyuan, securing a straight-sets victory with a scoreline of 21-5, 21-11.
In the SL4 category, Suhas L Yathiraj put on a thrilling show against Korea’s Shin Kyung Hwan. The first set was tightly contested, but Suhas gained an early lead in the second set and maintained it, clinching the match with scores of 26-24, 21-14.
In the women’s category, Thulsimathi Murugesan booked her spot in the semifinals after an impressive victory over Portugal’s Beatriz Monterio, winning in straight sets with a scoreline of 21-12, 21-8. Nithya Sre also made her mark, defeating Chinese Taipei’s Cai Yi-Lin in straight sets, 21-12, 21-19.
However, the day wasn’t without its challenges. Mansi Joshi fought valiantly in the SL3 women’s category against Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna but fell short in a hard-fought three-set match, ending her Paralympic campaign. In the men’s SL3 category, Manoj Sarkar faced a tough opponent in Thailand’s Mongkhon Bunsun and was defeated in straight sets. Palak Kohli also went down fighting against Indonesia’s Leani Ratri Oktila.
As the Paris Paralympics continue, India’s athletes remain focused and determined, with more events lined up in the coming days. This year, India has sent its largest Paralympics contingent ever, comprising 84 athletes across 12 sports, aiming to surpass its previous achievements in Tokyo 2020, where India won 19 medals.
Doubts Revealed
Para Shuttlers -: Para shuttlers are badminton players who have physical disabilities. They compete in special events called Paralympics.
Paralympics -: The Paralympics are a major international sports event for athletes with disabilities. They happen right after the Olympics.
Suhas Yathiraj -: Suhas Yathiraj is an Indian para badminton player. He has won many medals in international competitions.
Kumar Nitesh -: Kumar Nitesh is another talented Indian para badminton player. He competes in events for athletes with disabilities.
Paris -: Paris is the capital city of France. This year, it is hosting the Paralympic Games.
Thulsimathi Murugesan -: Thulsimathi Murugesan is an Indian female para badminton player. She is competing in the women’s category at the Paralympics.
Nithya Sre -: Nithya Sre is another Indian female para badminton player. She is also competing in the women’s category at the Paralympics.
Tokyo 2020 -: Tokyo 2020 refers to the previous Paralympic Games held in Tokyo, Japan. India had a successful run in those games.
Contingent -: A contingent is a group of people representing a country in an event. India’s contingent this year is the largest ever for the Paralympics.