Indian Para-Badminton athlete Pramod Bhagat displayed remarkable resilience on Sunday as he staged a remarkable comeback to clinch the gold medal at the World Para-Badminton Championships.
In a thrilling final match of the MS SL3 category, Pramod battled against Daniel Bethell from the United Kingdom for one hour and 40 minutes. Despite facing initial setbacks, Pramod rallied back to secure victory with a score of 14-21, 21-15, 21-14 (2:1) over Bethell.
The semifinal clash witnessed another intense showdown as Pramod Bhagat faced India’s Manoj Sarkar. The match extended to three sets and lasted for 75 minutes. After a tight first set, Pramod managed to outshine Manoj and proceeded to claim victory. Although the second set saw a fierce competition, Manoj emerged victorious, setting the stage for a nail-biting decider. In the end, Pramod’s determination prevailed as he sealed his spot in the finals with a final score of 23-21, 20-22, and 21-18.
Earlier in the tournament, Suhas Yathiraj and Krishna Nagar also showcased their exceptional skills, securing gold medals in their respective matches. Suhas triumphed over Indonesia’s Fredy Setiawan in the SL4 final, while Krishna engaged in a thrilling encounter against Lin Naili, emerging victorious with a score of 22-20, 22-20 in the SH6 final against the Chinese player.
However, the day also witnessed disappointment for Manisha Ramadass, who faced defeat in the SU5 title match against Yang Qiu Xia of China, with a score of 16-21, 16-21 in the final.
Pramod Bhagat’s Journey to Defend Gold
Reflecting on his achievement, Pramod Bhagat expressed his determination to defend his Paralympic gold in Paris and outlined his ambitious goal of maintaining peak fitness until the 2036 Games. He attributed his success to rigorous training and strategic adjustments, particularly focusing on overcoming mental barriers ahead of major competitions.
Pramod Bhagat emphasized the significance of his recent win in preparing him mentally for the upcoming Olympics, underscoring his commitment to delivering another stellar performance on the global stage. With his eyes set on Olympic glory, Bhagat aims to build on the momentum gained from his latest triumph and carry forward the legacy of excellence in Indian para-badminton.
Looking ahead, Pramod Bhagat remains inspired by veteran players like Hendra Setiawan and Mohammad Ahsan of Indonesia, channeling their longevity and dedication as he strives to leave a lasting impact on the sport. As he continues to chase his dreams, Bhagat’s journey serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of para-athletes worldwide.
Aspirations for 2036 Paralympic Dreams
“I also have a goal of participating at the 2036 Paralympics, which hopefully, India will host. Age is just a number, and I am fit. I hope I can stay fit and compete in 2036. It’s a very long-term goal, but not an impossible dream,” Bhagat expressed.
India’s interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics has been evident, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi declaring the country’s aspiration last October. “If not in singles, I can play in mixed or men’s doubles. India is emerging as a sports hub, and I want to be part of it when India hosts the Paralympics.”
At the World Championships in Thailand, Pramod Bhagat showcased his versatility by securing two bronze medals in mixed and men’s doubles, alongside Sukant Kadam and Manisha Ramadass, respectively. With these additions, his medal tally now stands at an impressive 14, comprising 6 gold, 3 silver, and 5 bronze across various categories.
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