Akash Ranjan Mund Shines at World Abilitysport Youth Games 2026

Historic Achievement for Odisha's Para-Badminton Star

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) - Akash Ranjan Mund, a promising para-badminton athlete from Odisha, has made headlines by achieving remarkable success at the World Abilitysport Youth Games 2026 held in Mersin, Turkey, from June 18 to 22.

The 21-year-old from Kalahandi district showcased his exceptional skills by winning three medals: two Golds and one Silver, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in India's para-sports arena.

Competing in the SL3 category, which is for athletes with lower limb disabilities, Mund excelled against tough international competitors. He secured his first Gold in the Men's Singles (SL3) event after an intense series of matches, followed by another Gold in the Mixed Doubles (SL3-SU5) category. He narrowly missed a clean sweep, earning a Silver in the Men's Doubles (SL3-SU5) event.

Upon his return on Friday, Mund was greeted with a hero's welcome at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. A large crowd of family, fans, and sports officials celebrated his achievements with flowers and traditional sweets. Bijaya Swain, the Additional Secretary of Sports, honored Akash and invited him as a special guest for the third day of the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships.

"Winning for my country is an incredible feeling," Mund expressed to reporters at Kalinga Stadium. "This is just the start. I am now focused on training harder to bring more accolades to Odisha and India as we approach the future Paralympics in Los Angeles."

Sports analysts and local authorities have praised Akash's achievements as a significant advancement for para-sports in Odisha, demonstrating that perseverance and determination can overcome any obstacle.