Paralympics 2024
Paralympics 2024 Badminton: India confirm three medals on an eventful day
Nitesh Kumar, Suhas Yathiraj, and Thulasimathi Murugesan reached the finals of their respective categories on Sunday
In what was an eventful day, as many as three medals, have been confirmed in para-badminton for India at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, on Sunday.
World no.1 Para-shuttlers, Nitesh Kumar and Suhas Yathiraj made it to the finals of the men's singles SL3 and SL4 categories respectively.
Whereas, Thulsimathi Murugesan becomes the first Indian women shuttler to reach finals at Paralympic Games.
She took a straight-game (23-21, 21-17) win over compatriot Manisha Ramdass in the semi-finals of the women's singles SU5 category.
The day started on a fragile note as two Indians, Mandeep Kaur, and Palak Kohli, lost their respective quarter-final matches in the women's singles SL3 and SL4 categories respectively.
While Kaur lost to Mariam Bolaji of Nigeria in straight games (8-21, 9-21), Kohli was defeated by Sadiyah Khalimatus of Indonesia, 19-21, 15-21.
But India's first medal in the women's singles category at the Paralympics was secured when Manisha Ramdass booked her spot in the semis of the SU5 category.
Manisha defeated Mamiko Toyoda of Japan in straight games (21-13, 21-16) while in the SH6 category, Nithya Sre defeated Polish para-athlete Oliwia Szmigel (21-4, 21-7) to book her spot in the semis.
Later, Nithya Sre lost her semi-final match against Shuangbao Lin of China (13-21, 19-21) and now will play the bronze medal match against Rina Marlina of Indonesia tomorrow.
Over in the men's section, Nitesh Kumar confirmed India's second medal at the Paris Paralympics, defeating Japanese Daisuke Fujihara 2-0 (21-16, 21-12), in the men's singles SL3 category.
Suhas Yathiraj, the world no.1 in the men's singles SL4 category, stormed into yet another final, winning the all-Indian semi-final clash against Sukant Kadam 2-0 (21-17, 21-12).
Sukant Kadam will play Fredy Setiawan of Indonesia tomorrow in the bronze medal match.