Nitesh Kumar Celebrates Success at Asian Para Games with Family Support

Nitesh Kumar's Triumph at the 2026 Asian Para Games

Bhiwani (Haryana) [India], October 31: Indian para-badminton athlete Nitesh Kumar expressed deep gratitude towards his father, Vijender Singh, for his unwavering support throughout his journey, especially after returning from the 2026 Asian Para Games with both a gold and a silver medal.

Nitesh clinched the gold in the men's singles SL3 category by defeating fellow Indian Pramod Bhagat in the final, while also securing a silver in the mixed doubles SL3-SU5 event alongside Thulasimathi Murugesan.

Reflecting on his challenging path, which began after he lost his left leg in a train accident in 2009, Nitesh acknowledged that his father was a constant source of motivation during his toughest times, encouraging him to pursue para-badminton.

He stated, "My father has been my greatest support, not just in sports but throughout my life, especially after my accident in 2009. He has always motivated me and provided a new perspective on life, helping me to stay strong and focused on my goals."

Nitesh's father played a crucial role when he decided to take up badminton, despite his mother's initial preference for him to concentrate on academics. His father encouraged him to follow his passion for sports.

Nitesh, who studied electrical engineering at IIT Mandi, initially engaged in badminton as a hobby during his studies. Although he was focused on academics with the aim of securing a stable government job, he eventually discovered his passion for para-badminton and chose to pursue it professionally after graduation.

At 31 years old, Nitesh currently holds the title of world No. 1 in men's singles SL3. He expressed immense satisfaction in defeating veteran Bhagat in the Asian Para Games final, emphasizing the significance of this victory against a formidable opponent.

He remarked, "Winning against Pramod bhai in the final was a significant achievement, especially in two sets. He is one of the strongest competitors in the event, and I am proud of how I maintained my composure to secure the gold medal."

Having previously earned two silver medals and a bronze at the World Championships, Nitesh aims to achieve a gold medal at this prestigious event, which remains a key goal for him.

He noted, "While I have achieved many things, the gold medal at the World Championships is still missing from my collection. It has been a long-standing goal of mine to secure that title."

India concluded its remarkable campaign at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, finishing fourth overall with a record-breaking total of 114 medals, surpassing the previous record of 108 medals.

Nitesh commented on India's increasing medal tally at each edition of the Asian Para Games, stating, "Our growth in medals is limitless. From Rio to Tokyo, we improved our count, and now from Tokyo to Paris, we have achieved even more. The support from the public and various organizations has been instrumental in our success."

He emphasized the importance of raising awareness and expanding participation in more para-sport disciplines to enhance India's medal prospects in future events.

When asked about strategies to improve medal counts, Nitesh suggested, "We need to increase awareness and participation in various para sports to compete in all available events, which could significantly boost our final medal tally."

Regarding his excitement for an upcoming meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nitesh shared, "Meeting the honorable Prime Minister is always a thrilling experience. His encouragement and the way he welcomes us is truly inspiring, and I look forward to our next interaction."