Nitesh Kumar Targets Defence in LA After Asian Para Games Gold

Para-badminton ace Nitesh Kumar is preparing for his next major challenge after a strong run at the Asian Para Games. Known for winning almost every major title in his sport, he is now setting his sights on defending his Paralympic crown in Los Angeles.

At the Asian Para Games, Nitesh secured gold in the men's singles SL3 category. He also finished with silver in the mixed doubles SL3-SU5 event, playing alongside Thulasimathi Murugesan. His singles victory was particularly notable because it came against Pramod Bhagat, the same player who had defeated him in the final at the Hangzhou Para Games three years earlier.

Nitesh is the current Paralympic singles champion. In Paris, he beat Great Britain's Daniel Bethell to take gold. He has also collected four World Championships medals, including two silver and two bronze.

In a detailed conversation, Nitesh spoke about the mindset that has shaped his career. He said his enjoyment of the game and his commitment to India drive him forward. “I want to give my best at every tournament,” he said. “My target is not only to win medals, but to keep moving forward and improving.”

He reflected on the Asian Para Games final and the rematch with Pramod. Nitesh said the two have faced each other many times on the circuit, so there was no unusual preparation. The key lesson from Hangzhou was patience. “Until the match is fully over, nothing is certain. Pramod can always come back stronger,” he explained. In the first game he tried to apply pressure, and in the second he stayed in the contest. When the match neared its close, he told himself that the work was not yet complete.

Looking ahead to Los Angeles, Nitesh will be defending the title he won in Paris. He recalled that his main goal in Paris was to protect the gold that Pramod Bhagat had won in Tokyo. He never felt compelled to win at any cost or to beat Bethell specifically. For him, what mattered most was keeping the gold medal with India.

Now, with both Nitesh and Pramod set to compete in Los Angeles, he believes the pressure could ease. Two strong contenders from India share the responsibility, which may allow both players to perform freely. He hopes for an all-India final, which he feels would reduce the burden on each player.

Before reaching Los Angeles, both players must first qualify for the Games. Once qualification is secured, Nitesh says he can focus on delivering the results he wants. His overall aim is clear: to win another Paralympic medal for India over the next four years.