Nitesh Kumar Attributes Success to Father's Support After Asian Para Games Triumph
Nitesh Kumar Acknowledges Father's Role in His Achievements
Bhiwani (Haryana) [India], October 31: Indian para-badminton athlete Nitesh Kumar has expressed deep gratitude towards his father, Vijender Singh, for being his unwavering support throughout his journey. After returning from the 2026 Asian Para Games with a gold and a silver medal, Nitesh reflected on his achievements, which include winning the men's singles SL3 gold by defeating fellow Indian Pramod Bhagat and securing silver in the mixed doubles SL3-SU5 alongside Thulasimathi Murugesan.
Journey of Resilience and Support
Nitesh's journey has been marked by resilience, especially after losing his left leg in a train accident in 2009. He credited his father for being a constant source of motivation during his toughest times. "My father has been my strongest pillar, supporting me from the day of my accident to my recent victories at the Asian Games. He never allowed me to give up and always encouraged me to see things from a different perspective," Nitesh shared.
Early Life and Career Development
Nitesh's father played a crucial role in his decision to pursue badminton, despite his mother's initial preference for academics. "While my mother was concerned about my studies, my father encouraged my passion for sports. He always motivated me to give my best," Nitesh explained. He studied electrical engineering at IIT Mandi, where he initially engaged in badminton as a hobby before deciding to pursue it professionally after graduation.
Reflections on Competition and Aspirations
Currently ranked world No. 1 in men's singles SL3, Nitesh expressed pride in defeating veteran Bhagat in the Asian Para Games final. "Winning against Pramod bhai is a significant achievement, especially in two sets. It reflects my mental strength and preparation for such high-stakes matches," he stated. Nitesh aims to secure a gold medal at the World Championships, having previously won two silvers and a bronze.
India's Remarkable Performance in Para-Sports
India concluded its historic campaign at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, finishing fourth overall with a record 114 medals, surpassing the previous tally of 108. Nitesh noted, "Our growth in medal counts from Rio to Tokyo and now to Paris shows that we are continuously improving. The support from the public and organizations has been instrumental in our success."
Future of Para-Sports in India
Nitesh emphasized the need for increased awareness and participation in various para-sport disciplines to enhance India's medal prospects. He stated, "We need to compete in more events and raise awareness about para-sports to improve our medal tally further."
Anticipation for Meeting the Prime Minister
Looking ahead, Nitesh expressed excitement about his upcoming meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which he finds inspiring. "Meeting the Prime Minister has always been a motivating experience. I look forward to our discussions and the encouragement he provides to athletes like us," he concluded.