Nagoya, October 2026 : Indian para-badminton players delivered an impressive performance at the Asian Para Games 2026 on Friday, with Nitesh Kumar and Naveen Sivakumar winning gold medals in their respective men's singles categories. Nithya Sre Sivan and Thulasimathi Murugesan added to India's medal tally by securing silver medals in their women's singles events.
The results marked a strong showing by India's para-badminton contingent, with players reaching finals and podium finishes across multiple classifications. Nitesh and Naveen secured gold in separate men's singles categories, while Nithya and Thulasimathi finished runners-up in their respective finals.
India's success also reflected the depth of its para-badminton squad, with several players having reached the medal rounds during the competition.
Nitesh Kumar Wins Men's Singles SL3 Gold
Nitesh Kumar clinched the gold medal in the men's singles SL3 category after defeating fellow Indian and reigning para-badminton star Pramod Bhagat in an all-Indian final.
The result ensured that India claimed both the gold and silver medals in the event, with Bhagat finishing as the runner-up. Having two Indian players compete for the title highlighted the country's strength in the SL3 category.
The all-Indian final had guaranteed India the top two positions before the title match began. Nitesh eventually emerged victorious to take the gold, while Bhagat settled for silver.
The outcome was a significant achievement for Indian para-badminton, as the two finalists demonstrated the country's ability to compete for the highest honours at the continental level.
Bhagat's silver medal also contributed to India's overall performance, ensuring that the country secured a one-two finish in the men's singles SL3 event.
Naveen Sivakumar Secures Gold in Men's Singles SL4
Naveen Sivakumar won the gold medal in the men's singles SL4 category, adding another title to India's para-badminton campaign. He was scheduled to face Indonesia's Freddy Setiawan in the final.
Naveen entered the final after an impressive semifinal performance on Thursday, when he defeated compatriot Abhijeet Sakhuja 21-13, 21-15.
With that victory, Naveen booked his place in the final, while Sakhuja secured the bronze medal.
The achievement was particularly meaningful for Naveen, who had expressed his happiness at reaching the final in his first Asian Para Games appearance. He had also highlighted the importance of making a strong start during his semifinal victory.
Winning the gold medal the following day turned his promising campaign into a memorable continental triumph.
Naveen's success in the SL4 category further strengthened India's position in para-badminton, with the country collecting gold medals in two different men's singles classifications.
Nithya Sre Sivan Wins Silver in Women's Singles SH6
Nithya Sre Sivan claimed the silver medal in the women's singles SH6 category after finishing runner-up in the final against China's Li Fengmei.
Although Nithya could not secure the gold medal, her run to the final added another podium finish to India's campaign.
Reaching the final required consistent performances across multiple rounds, and the silver medal represented an important achievement in the highly competitive field.
Nithya had also won a bronze medal in the mixed doubles SH6 event alongside Krishna Nagar earlier in the competition.
The Indian pair had lost their semifinal against Indonesia's Rina Marlina and Subhan, finishing with bronze. Nithya's additional silver in the women's singles further underlined her contribution to India's medal haul.
Thulasimathi Murugesan Adds Another Silver
Thulasimathi Murugesan also finished second in her women's singles final, securing another silver medal for India at the Asian Para Games 2026.
Her podium finish strengthened India's performance in the women's events and added to the achievements of the country's para-shuttlers on Friday.
The silver medals won by Nithya and Thulasimathi demonstrated India's competitiveness across the women's singles categories, complementing the gold-medal performances in the men's events.
Indian Para-Shuttlers Build on Earlier Medal Success
India's strong showing on Friday followed several medal-winning performances on Thursday.
Suhas Yathiraj secured bronze in the men's singles SL4 category after losing to Indonesia's Freddy Setiawan in a three-game semifinal. Sanjana Kumari won bronze in the women's singles SL3 event.
India also earned bronze in the mixed doubles SL3-SU5 category through the pair of Manisha Ramadass and Pramod Bhagat.
These performances provided a strong foundation for Friday's finals, with Indian players continuing to compete for medals across different classifications.
Para-Badminton Success Boosts India's Campaign
Para-badminton competitions are divided into classifications based on athletes' functional abilities. Categories such as SL3, SL4 and SH6 feature separate events, allowing players to compete against others with comparable impairments.
Consequently, several singles finals and medal events can take place across different classifications during the same competition.
With Nitesh Kumar and Naveen Sivakumar winning gold, and Nithya Sre Sivan and Thulasimathi Murugesan securing silver, India enjoyed a productive day in para-badminton at the Asian Para Games 2026.
As the competition continues, further results could change India's overall medal tally and standing. The performances recorded on Friday nevertheless provided another encouraging chapter in the country's campaign in Nagoya.
