From Setbacks To Success, How Nitesh Kumar Won Gold At Paris Paralympics

Nitesh Kumar has clinched the gold medal in the men’s singles SL3 badminton event at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. The 29-year-old hails from Haryana and had aspired to join the army, inspired by his father, a Navy officer. Initially, football was his first love of sports. A life-altering accident redirected his path and dreams. Nitesh’s journey to success in the Paralympics has been marked by challenges and resilience.

In 2009, at the age of 15, Nitesh lost one of his legs in a train accident in Visakhapatnam. Despite being bedridden for months, he remained focused on his studies. After taking a year off, he prepared for the IIT JEE and, in 2013, secured admission to IIT Mandi for Electrical Engineering. It was during his time there that his interest in badminton emerged, eventually becoming his passion.

Nitesh’s journey in para-badminton began in 2016, marking a significant turning point in his life. That year, he earned a place on the Haryana team to participate in the Para National Championship, where his determination and hard work paid off as he secured a bronze medal. This achievement not only highlighted his potential in the sport but also fueled his passion for para-badminton.

Building on his national success, Nitesh made his mark on the international stage in 2017 by winning his first international title at the Irish Para-Badminton International. This victory was a testament to his growing skills and determination, setting the stage for a series of impressive performances in the global arena.

Over the following years, Nitesh continued to excel, earning accolades and medals in various prestigious international competitions. He competed in the Asian Para Games, where his performances further solidified his reputation as a formidable athlete in para-badminton. Additionally, his participation in the BWF Para-Badminton World Circuit brought him even more recognition, as he consistently demonstrated his talent and resilience against top competitors from around the world.

Nitesh currently works as a senior badminton coach for the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs in Haryana. Despite getting a coaching job in the year 2019, he continued his performance on the badminton court and has been winning medals often.