New Delhi: Indian Para shuttler Nitesh Kumar clinched gold at the Paris Paralympics 2024 in the men’s singles SL3 category on Monday. The competition took place at the La Chapelle Arena in Paris. Nitesh was pitted against Daniel Bethell from Great Britain.
Who is Nitesh Kumar?
Nithesh’s para-badminton career began in 2016 when he earned the opportunity to represent the Haryana team at the Para National Championships. Kumar’s life has been a dramatic roller-coaster, to say the least. The badminton enthusiast suffered a life-changing accident which led to a permanent injury to his leg in an accident.
He was bedridden for a long time. However, despite so much of problems, Kumar managed to clear the IIT JEE examination and was admitted to the prestigious IIT Mandi in 2013. Meanwhile, the badminton career of Kumar went on smoothly simultaneously with Irish Para-Badminton International in 2017, the Asian Para Games and the BWF Para-Badminton World Circuit.
Furthermore, he has won three medals at the World Championships, including two silver medals in 2019 and 2022, and a bronze medal in 2024. On the other hand, Nitesh’s sporting career also extends his successful run to the Asian Para Games where he has won 4 medals so far.
What does Nitish Kumar do apart from playing badminton?
Apart from his badminton exploits, Nitish also contributes with his experience of the sport in the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs in Haryana as a Senior Badminton Coach.
Residing in Karnal, Nitesh’s journey has been supported by OGQ, an organisation committed to developing sporting prospects in India. Nitesh Kumar’s story is a story of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity and tough situations.
For now, the 29-year-old is soaked in exhilaration and brilliance after realising his dreams after so much struggle and hard work.
