Paris: Indian shuttlers Thulasimathi Murugesan and Manisha Ramadass delivered remarkable performances at the Paris Paralympics on Monday, securing maiden silver and bronze medals in the women’s singles SU5 category. Murugesan fought valiantly but fell to China’s defending champion Yang Qiuxia with scores of 17-21, 10-21, earning a silver medal. Ramadass claimed the bronze medal by defeating Denmark’s Cathrine Rosengren with scores of 21-12, 21-8.

The SU5 category is designed for athletes with impairments in the upper limbs, showcasing the skill and determination of these para-athletes. Murugesan’s and Ramadass’s achievements highlight India’s growing prominence in para-badminton.

Earlier, Nitesh Kumar secured the gold medal in the Men's Singles SL3 category. Kumar triumphed over Britain’s Daniel Bethell with a score of 21-14, 18-21, 23-21 at La Chapelle Arena Court 1. This victory marks India’s second gold medal at the 2024 Games, following Avani Lekhara’s earlier win. 

The SL3 category is for players with movement moderately affecting one side of the body, both legs or the absence of limbs. They play standing on a half-width court and have reduced court movement but a full range of shots.

Kumar’s journey to this gold medal is particularly inspiring. An IIT Mandi graduate, he turned to para-badminton after losing his leg in a train accident in Visakhapatnam in 2009. Despite never having beaten Bethell in their previous ten matches, Kumar displayed exceptional skill and perseverance. His victory is a testament to his dedication, as he also secured a gold medal earlier this year at the 2024 BWF Para-Badminton World Championships. 

(with inputs form agencies)