Kumar Bahukhandi
Nitesh Kumar, right, and Pramod Bhagat pose after winning gold and silver respectively in the men’s singles SL3 badminton event at the fifth Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, on Friday, October 23, 2026.Photo: PTI
Nitesh Kumar, Naveen Sivakumar and Thulasimathi Murugesan lead India’s gold-medal effort as the contingent finishes with three gold, five silver and eight bronze
Key Highlights
- India conclude their para badminton campaign with 16 medals.
- Paris Paralympic champion Nitesh Kumar wins the men’s singles SL3 gold.
- Pramod Bhagat takes silver in the same event.
- Debutant Naveen Sivakumar contributes to India’s three-gold finish.
- Thulasimathi Murugesan claims one gold and two silver medals.
Nagoya: India conclude their badminton campaign at the Asian Para Games with 16 medals, including three gold, five silver and eight bronze, on Friday, October 23, 2026. Paris Paralympic champion Nitesh Kumar and debutant Naveen Sivakumar lead the gold-medal effort, while Thulasimathi Murugesan completes a memorable day with one gold and two silver medals.
Nitesh Takes Gold in All-Indian SL3 Finish
Nitesh Kumar secured the men’s singles SL3 title, with fellow Indian Pramod Bhagat winning silver in the same event.
The gold adds another major achievement to Nitesh’s record following his Paris Paralympic triumph, while Bhagat’s silver strengthens India’s medal tally at the continental competition.
Naveen Makes His Mark on Debut
Debutant Naveen Sivakumar also contributed to India’s gold-medal haul, helping the contingent finish its campaign with three titles.
His performance featured alongside those of established Indian players in a campaign that produced medals across multiple events.
Thulasimathi Claims Three Medals
Thulasimathi Murugesan capped a productive day with one gold and two silver medals, making a substantial contribution to India’s final tally.
India’s overall return of three gold, five silver and eight bronze brought their badminton campaign at the fifth Asian Para Games to a close with 16 podium finishes.
