Tokyo [Japan], September 13 (ANI): Indian para-badminton star Sukant Kadam, the world quantity two within the SL4 class, reached a landmark milestone on the Japan Para Badminton International 2026, returning with two silver medals and finishing a unprecedented tally of 100 profession medals in 12 years of aggressive badminton. With the Asian Games across the nook, Sukant now turns his consideration to representing India on the continental multi-sport occasion.
Sukant secured silver in Men’s Singles SL4, reaching the ultimate towards France’s Lucas Mazur. After shedding the opening recreation 21-08, Sukant produced a robust fightback within the second recreation, however Mazur held his nerve to win 21-16. He additionally partnered Pramod Bhagat within the Men’s Doubles SL3-SU5, the place the Indian pair claimed one other silver medal. They went all the way down to Indonesia’s Hikmat Ramdani and Fredy Setiawan 21-05, 21-15 within the remaining. The two medals in Japan took Sukant’s profession medal tally to 100, marking a exceptional achievement in a journey that has spanned greater than a decade of worldwide competitors, as per a press launch.Â
Sukant’s journey started after a childhood cricket damage on the age of 10. The knee damage required a number of surgical procedures and left him unable to bend his left knee. Inspired by para-athlete Girisha Nagarajegowda’s silver-medal efficiency on the 2012 London Paralympics, Sukant discovered his calling in para badminton. Based in Pune, Sukant trains beneath Olympian Nikhil Kanitkar and his teaching group at NKBA. He made his worldwide debut in 2014, starting a journey that may ultimately result in his #DreamOf100.
Reflecting on the milestone, Sukant Kadam mentioned: “I made my international debut in 2014 with a dream in my heart. In 2016, I won my first BWF Para Badminton International medal. And today, in 2026, after years of victories, defeats, injuries, doubts, sacrifices, comebacks and countless hours on the court… Medal No. 100. What started as a dream slowly became a mission. And #DreamOf100 became a promise I made to myself – to keep pushing until I reached this moment.”
Sukant credited his coaches, assist workers, household and sporting establishments for taking part in an important function in his journey. “No athlete reaches a milestone like this alone. A heartfelt thank you to my coaches Nikhil Kanitkar and Mayank Gole for believing in me, standing by me, challenging me and guiding me in the best ways possible. Your belief has been a huge part of this journey. I am deeply grateful to the Sports Authority of India, Government of Maharashtra, Badminton Association of India, Paralympic Committee of India and Olympic Gold Quest for their constant support, encouragement and belief in my journey. To my family, friends, teammates, support staff and everyone who has stood beside me through the highs and lows – this medal belongs to you too.”
With the 100-medal milestone now achieved, Sukant’s focus shifts to the Asian Games, the place he’ll look to hold the arrogance and momentum from Japan into his subsequent main problem. “The 100th medal is a very special milestone, but for me, it is another step in the journey. My focus now is on the Asian Games. I want to take the confidence from this tournament, continue working hard and give my best for India when it matters most.” he concluded. (ANI)