Pramod Bhagat Secures Double Gold and Silver as India Excels in Spanish Para Badminton International 2026
Paralympic champion Pramod Bhagat delivered a spectacular performance, earning two gold medals and one silver, as India showcased its dominance at the Spanish Para Badminton International 2026-II held in Vitoria, Spain, on Sunday. Bhagat's achievements were part of a broader success story for the Indian contingent, which secured multiple medals across various categories, reinforcing the nation's growing prowess in para sports.
Bhagat's Stellar Performance in Men's Singles SL3
In a gripping men's singles SL3 final, Pramod Bhagat faced off against compatriot Nitesh Kumar in a match that lasted 51 minutes. Bhagat emerged victorious with a score of 21-17, 10-21, 21-18, demonstrating remarkable resilience after losing the second set. Reflecting on the intense battle, Bhagat stated, "This tournament was a true test of patience and resilience. The singles final was very intense, and I had to dig deep after losing the second set. I'm happy with the way I stayed composed in crucial moments." This gold medal marked a significant milestone in his career, boosting his confidence for future competitions.
Golden Run in Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5
Bhagat continued his winning streak in the mixed doubles SL3-SU5 category, partnering with Manisha Ramdass. The Indian duo staged an impressive comeback after dropping the first set to defeat Brazil's Rogerio Junior Xavier de Oliveira and Edwarda De Oliveira Dias with scores of 13-21, 21-12, 21-19. This victory highlighted their strategic prowess and ability to perform under pressure, adding another gold to India's tally.
Silver Medal in Men's Doubles SL3-SU5
In the men's doubles SL3-SU5 event, Pramod Bhagat teamed up with Sukant Kadam to secure a silver medal. They finished as runners-up to fellow Indians Nitesh Kumar and Ruthick Ragupathi, who won the final with scores of 19-21, 14-21. Despite the loss, Bhagat's overall performance underscored his versatility and commitment to excellence in para badminton.
Other Notable Indian Achievements
India's success extended beyond Bhagat's medals, with several athletes making significant contributions:
- Sukant Kadam won gold in the men's singles SL4 final, defeating Korea's Cho Nadan 21-16, 21-17. Kadam expressed, "I felt in control throughout the match and was able to execute my game plan well. This gold reflects the hard work I've been putting in."
- Nitesh Kumar earned a silver medal in men's singles SL3, while Jagdish Dilli secured bronze in the same category.
- Neeraj claimed bronze in women's singles SL3.
- In men's doubles SL3-SU5, Deep Ranjan Bisoyee and Kuldeep Mahkul earned a bronze medal.
- Mixed doubles SL3-SU5 saw bronze medals for the pairs of Shivam Yadav & Neeraj and Nitesh Kumar & Thulasimathi Murugesan.
- Ruthick Ragupathi (silver) and Shivam Yadav (bronze) performed strongly in men's singles SU5.
- In women's singles SU5, Manisha Ramdass clinched gold, and Thulasimathi Murugesan secured silver.
- Jatin Azad and Shivam Yadav won bronze in men's doubles SU5, and Manisha Patel added another bronze in women's singles SH6.
Implications for Indian Para Badminton
This outstanding performance at the Spanish Para Badminton International 2026-II highlights India's rising status in global para sports. The diverse medal haul across singles, doubles, and mixed categories showcases the depth of talent and rigorous training within the Indian para badminton community. As athletes like Pramod Bhagat and Sukant Kadam continue to excel, they inspire future generations and set new benchmarks for success in international competitions.
