Suhas Yathiraj Reaches Finals at Paris 2024 Paralympics
In a thrilling semifinal match at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Indian para badminton star Suhas Yathiraj defeated compatriot Sukant Kadam with a commanding performance, winning 21-17, 21-12. With this victory, Suhas has secured his place in the finals and guaranteed his second consecutive Paralympic medal.
The match showcased Suhas’s skill and determination. Reflecting on his victory, Suhas expressed his disbelief and gratitude, saying, “I still can’t believe it. I want to thank God. I tried my best to not take too much pressure, and God has been kind.”
Suhas will face France’s Lucas Mazur for the gold medal match. They have faced each other numerous times, including at this year’s World Championship, where Suhas emerged victorious. “I know him (Lucas Mazur) very well, and he knows me very well,” Suhas said. “We have played so many games over the last few years. I defeated him in the World Championship this year. He would like to take revenge,” he added.
Despite the stakes, Suhas is determined to keep his focus and enjoy the moment. “He (Lucas Mazur) considers me one of the opponents to beat, and I consider him one of the opponents to beat. I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself. Around 8,000 supporters will be cheering for me here, and a billion people will cheer for me from India. So, I will just go and enjoy,” he said.
With two Paralympics and two finals under his belt, Suhas Yathiraj is on the brink of making history once again, as he prepares to give his best in the upcoming final, with the hopes of clinching his Paralympic gold. Meanwhile, Sukant Kadam will fight for bronze against Fredy Setiawan of Indonesia.
This year, India has sent its largest Paralympics contingent ever, comprising 84 athletes across 12 sports, a testament to the country’s expanding para-sports ecosystem. India’s participation in the Paris 2024 Paralympics marks not only a significant increase in numbers but also in medal hopes, as the nation aims to surpass its previous achievements in Tokyo. Tokyo 2020 was India’s most successful Paralympic Games, with the country winning 19 medals, including five golds, eight silvers, and six bronzes.
Doubts Revealed
Suhas Yathiraj -: Suhas Yathiraj is an Indian para badminton player. ‘Para’ means he competes in sports for people with physical disabilities.
Paralympics -: The Paralympics are a major international sports event for athletes with disabilities. They happen right after the Olympics.
Sukant Kadam -: Sukant Kadam is another Indian para badminton player. He competed against Suhas Yathiraj in the semifinals.
Paris 2024 -: Paris 2024 refers to the year and location of the next Paralympic Games, which will be held in Paris, France.
Lucas Mazur -: Lucas Mazur is a para badminton player from France. He will compete against Suhas Yathiraj in the finals.
Tokyo 2020 -: Tokyo 2020 refers to the previous Paralympic Games held in Tokyo, Japan, in the year 2021 due to a delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contingent -: A contingent is a group of people representing a country in an event. Here, it means the group of Indian athletes at the Paralympics.
