Krishna Nagar Reflects on Asian Para Games Journey and Future Aspirations

Indian para-badminton star Krishna Nagar reflects on his mixed feelings following the Asian Para Games, where he won medals in doubles but faced disappointment in singles. He discusses his future goals, the growth of para-sports in India, and the importance of media support for athletes. Despite challenges, Krishna remains optimistic and encourages young athletes to believe in their potential. His journey from facing bullying to becoming a celebrated athlete serves as an inspiration for many.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 23, 2026, 00:22 IST

Krishna Nagar's Mixed Emotions After Asian Para Games

Aichi-Nagoya, Japan - On October 22, Indian para-badminton athlete and Paralympic champion Krishna Nagar shared his thoughts on his recent performance at the Asian Para Games. While he celebrated his achievements, including a bronze medal in the mixed doubles SH6 event with partner Nithya Sre and a silver in men's SH6 doubles with Sivarajan Solaimalai, he expressed disappointment regarding his singles competition, where he fell short in the quarterfinals.

Reflecting on his experience, Krishna remarked, "Winning a silver and a bronze feels great, but I am somewhat let down by my singles performance. I genuinely believed I could secure a medal in that category. Having reached the finals previously and won silver in the 2022 Asian Para Games, I was confident in my training this time around. Unfortunately, luck wasn't on my side, and I made critical errors in the final moments of the match."

He recounted a moment in the quarterfinals where he was leading 11-6 but ultimately lost, stating, "I feel disappointed. If I had maintained my focus and approached the game with more composure, I could have been competing in the semifinals today. But overall, I am satisfied with my other performances."

Future Goals and the Growth of Para-Sports

Krishna, who previously clinched a gold medal at the 2020 Paralympics and aims for gold at the Asian Para Games, is now setting his sights on the 2028 Paralympics and the 2030 Asian Para Games. He praised the support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the central government, highlighting their initiatives like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) that have fostered a growing number of para-athletes in India.

He noted, "The growth of para-sports in India has been remarkable since the 2021 Paralympics. The support from the government and SAI has been phenomenal, and state policies for job opportunities have significantly improved the landscape for para-athletes. The competition has intensified, with new champions emerging in every major event."

Adapting to Changes in the Sport

With upcoming changes to a 15-point-per-game system in badminton and para-badminton, Krishna emphasized the need for athletes to enhance their agility, power, and endurance from the very first point. He stated, "In this new format, we must integrate agility and strength right from the start to succeed."

He also expressed his happiness regarding the increased media coverage of para-athletes, which has helped elevate their status in Indian sports. "Crossing the 100-medal mark in the 2022 Asian Para Games was a monumental achievement for India. The support from social media and various platforms has made us feel recognized and valued as athletes. We hope to receive the same level of support as able-bodied athletes, similar to what is seen in cricket and other sports," he added.

Overcoming Challenges and Inspiring Others

Krishna began his para-badminton journey in 2017 and has since made significant strides, including a bronze at the 2018 Asian Para Games and a gold at the 2020 Paralympics. Despite facing bullying and skepticism about para-sports during his childhood, he has emerged as a prominent figure in his field. He shared, "Bullying was a common experience for me growing up, as many were unaware of para-sports. While it still occurs occasionally, I view it as part of life."

In closing, Krishna offered a message to his younger self: "I would tell him that everything is achievable, that prayers are powerful, and that circumstances can change."