Tokyo, September 2026 : Indian para badminton stars Pramod Bhagat and Sukant Kadam delivered impressive performances at the Japan Para Badminton International 2026, with Bhagat claiming a gold and a silver medal, while Kadam achieved the remarkable milestone of 100 career medals.
Bhagat clinched the Men’s Singles SL3 gold medal after defeating compatriot U Kumar 21-16, 21-08 in the final. The Indian shuttler maintained his composure throughout the contest and recovered well after Kumar made an early push.
“I am very happy to finish the tournament with a gold and a silver. The singles final was challenging, especially after U Kumar got the early lead, but I stayed patient and focused on my game,” Bhagat said.
“Once I found my rhythm, I was able to take control. The doubles result was not what we wanted, but I am proud of the fight we showed. Every international tournament is an opportunity to learn and improve, and I will take the positives from Japan,” he added.
Bhagat also finished with a silver medal in the Men’s Doubles SL3-SU5, partnering Kadam. The Indian duo fought their way into the final but were beaten by Indonesia’s Hikmat Ramdani and Fredy Setiawan.
For Kadam, the tournament brought an especially significant achievement as he reached the landmark of 100 career medals in para badminton.
Kadam collected two silver medals in Tokyo. Apart from finishing runner-up alongside Bhagat in the Men’s Doubles SL3-SU5 category, he also secured silver in the Men’s Singles SL4 event.
In the singles final, Kadam faced French star Lucas Mazur. Mazur dominated the opening game, winning 21-08. Kadam responded strongly in the second game and fought hard to extend the contest, but Mazur eventually prevailed 21-16 to take the gold medal.
Reflecting on reaching the 100-medal mark, Kadam described the achievement as a special moment in his career.
“Reaching 100 career medals is a very special moment for me. When I started playing para badminton 12 years ago, I never imagined that I would reach this milestone,” Kadam said.
“There have been many ups and downs, victories and defeats, but every match has taught me something,” he added.
Kadam expressed gratitude to everyone who had supported him throughout his journey, while making it clear that the milestone would not mark the end of his ambitions.
“I don't want to look at 100 as the finish line. It motivates me to keep working harder and aim for many more achievements for India,” he said.
The performances of Bhagat and Kadam added to India’s strong showing at the Tokyo event, with the experienced Bhagat securing gold in singles and the pair combining effectively to claim a doubles silver. Kadam’s 100-medal milestone further underlined his consistency and longevity in international para badminton.
