Bhubaneswar: Pramod Bhagat delivered a storybook comeback at the China Para Badminton International 2025, striking gold in the Men’s Singles SL3 category and proving why he remains a giant in the para-badminton world. The Tokyo Paralympics champion, returning from an 18-month suspension due to an anti-doping whereabouts breach, toppled Indonesia’s Muh Al Imran 15-21, 21-19, 21-16 in a thrilling final in Beijing.
“It’s a priceless feeling to be back and win gold for India after such a long gap,” Bhagat said, all smiles after securing the title that marks both redemption and resurgence.
Bhagat, 37, last competed in February 2024, missing his crown-defense at the Paris Paralympics due to suspension. With the ban ending in early September, he wasted no time making an emphatic return. He also clinched silver with Sukant Kadam in the Men’s Doubles SL3-SL4, showcasing his versatile dominance.
The Indian contingent shone with a total of 12 medals: 4 golds, 3 silvers, and 5 bronzes. Notably, Nithya Sre Sivan stunned the women’s singles SH6 field by defeating both the reigning gold and silver Paris Paralympics medalists, while Jagdish Dilli & Naveen Sivakumar took gold in Men’s Doubles SL3-SL4.
India’s Para Badminton brigade, led by Bhagat’s phenomenal comeback and a new wave of champions, has underlined its international prowess with this powerful Beijing haul.
Discussion about this post