Nagoya: India’s Nitesh Kumar and Thulasimathi Murugesan won the silver medal in the badminton mixed doubles SL3-SU5 category at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games on Friday. The Indian pair lost 21-11, 19-21, 14-21 to Indonesia’s Leani Ratri Oktila and Hikmat Ramadani in the final.
The Indian pair started the final in style, winning the first game 21-11. However, the Indonesian pair made a comeback in the second game to win 21-19. Indonesia maintained its dominance in the deciding game as well, winning 21-14 to win the gold medal. Despite the loss, Nitesh and Thulasimthi displayed their talent and tenacity, putting up a strong fight.
Thulasimthi has a chance to win another gold medal
Thulasimthi Murugesan has a chance to win another gold medal. She will partner Manasi Girishchandra Joshi in the women’s doubles SL3-SU5 final. The Indian pair will face China’s Yang Qixia and Xiao Xuexian.
Earlier, Thulasimthi lost to China’s Yang Qixia in the women’s singles SU5 final, forcing her to settle for a silver medal.
Nitesh Kumar wins gold in men’s singles
India’s Nitesh Kumar produced a brilliant performance in the men’s singles SL4 final to win the gold medal. He defeated compatriot Pramod Bhagat 21-18, 21-16 in an all-Indian final. Pramod Bhagat won the gold medal in the 2018 and 2022 editions. This match featured two Paralympic champions.
In the women’s singles SH6 category final, India’s Nitya Sri Sumathi Sivan lost 12-21, 13-21 to China’s Li Fengmei. With this, Nitya had to settle for the silver medal.
Understand the Para Badminton Categories
The SL3 category in para badminton is for players with severe lower limb disabilities who play on the half court. The SL4 category includes players with lower limb disabilities who have relatively better balance while walking and running.
The SU5 category is for players with upper limb disabilities, while the SH6 category is for short players.
India Ranks Fourth in Medal Tally
India, before participating in the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, achieved its best performance at the 2023 edition in Hangzhou. During that period, Indian athletes won a total of 111 medals, including 29 gold, 31 silver, and 51 bronze medals. India finished fifth in the medal tally.
As of October 23, India ranks fourth in the 2026 Asian Para Games medal tally. Indian athletes have won a total of 104 medals so far, including 27 gold, 34 silver, and 43 bronze medals.