Krishna Nagar Gears Up for Asian Para-Badminton Championship with Renewed Determination

Krishna Nagar's Journey to the Asian Para-Badminton Championship
Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], June 17: Krishna Nagar, the Indian Paralympics gold medalist in para-badminton, shared insights into his preparations for the upcoming Asian Para-Badminton Championship. Following his inability to defend his title at the Paris Paralympics last year, he feels a heightened sense of motivation to excel.
In a conversation earlier last week, Krishna expressed his eagerness as the tournament is set to commence today in Thailand, lasting until June 22.
Reflecting on his experience in Paris, where he had to retire mid-match due to an injury, he stated, “You can label it as added motivation or pressure, but I am determined to make up for it. I will give my all and aim for a strong performance at the Asian Championships.”
He holds high hopes for the Indian team, which boasts over 70 participants in this tournament.
“I believe India will bring home numerous medals this time. The competition is open, allowing many players to compete. I anticipate that we could secure more than 15 or 20 medals,” he remarked.
Despite facing health challenges recently, Krishna feels mentally prepared for the competition. He had been unwell for about 10-12 days prior to the tournament.
“I was ill during the last tournament in Dubai, suffering from fever, weakness, and food poisoning. The recovery time before the Asian Championships was short, but I feel much better now and ready to perform at my best,” he added.
Krishna acknowledged the valuable lessons he has learned from elite players like PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen, emphasizing that the sport transcends the boundaries between able-bodied and para-athletes. He noted significant improvements in Indian para-badminton following the 2020 and 2024 Paralympics, leading to increased global competition.
“We do not see a divide. Both groups are excelling at their levels. We gain a lot from experienced players like PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen. The standard in para-badminton is rising, and the competition is tougher than ever. With the 2028 Paralympics on the horizon, we must elevate our game significantly,” he explained.
In the Tokyo Paralympics, Indian para-shuttlers achieved remarkable success, winning four medals, including two golds. This number rose to five in 2024, comprising one gold, two silvers, and two bronzes.
Krishna also credited the government and media for their crucial support in promoting Paralympic sports in recent years.
“Everyone has contributed significantly. The government has implemented the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) for both able-bodied and para-athletes, ensuring timely resources. The media has played a pivotal role in elevating my recognition on this platform. While sponsors have been supportive, cricket still tends to overshadow other sports in popularity,” he concluded.