Paralympics 2024: Nitesh Kumar clinches maiden gold after 80-minute duel

Nitesh Kumar clinched the gold medal at the Paralympics 2024 in Paris on Monday.

In a show of stamina and skills, Nitesh defeated Great Britain's Daniel Bethell in the Standing Lower 3 men's singles final to win the gold medal.

In a match that lasted for 80 minutes, Nitesh edged past Daniel 21-14, 18-21, 23-21.

It was his first win over Bethell in ten attempts, and his maiden Paralympics gold.

In the first game, Nitesh made a slow start as the rallies got longer. The 30-year-old, however, displayed his excellent service skills as he won 13 points with his serves.

In the second game, Daniel fought back to draw level as he tested Nitesh's defence at the net.

In the decider, a neck-to-neck battle prevailed, with Bethell receiving strong support from the Great Britain fans.

Nitesh, however, held his composure despite wasting two match points. By winning the final, Nitesh became the first Indian player to win a gold medal at the Paris Paralympics.

Nitesh has been in exceptional form throughout the Paralympics. Earlier, he defeated Daisuke Fujihara of Japan in the semifinals.

The para-shuttler, who hails from Rajasthan, also won three medals in the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou in 2023.