Tokyo [Japan], September 13 (ANI): Indian para badminton stars Pramod Bhagat and Sukant Kadam have been among the many standout performers on the Japan Para Badminton International 2026, with Pramod returning with two medals – gold in Men’s Singles SL3 and silver in Men’s Doubles SL3-SU5 – whereas Sukant reached a exceptional milestone of 100 profession medals in the course of the event. India additionally secured a number of podium finishes throughout classes, underlining the nation’s rising energy on the worldwide para badminton circuit.
Pramod Bhagat produced a dominant efficiency within the Men’s Singles SL3 closing, defeating fellow Indian U Kumar 21-16, 21-08 in half-hour to say the gold medal. U Kumar started the primary sport strongly, opening up a five-point lead, however Pramod responded along with his expertise and composure to show the competition round. Once he took management, Pramod by no means allowed the result in slip. The second sport was much more emphatic, with the previous Paralympic champion taking the lead from the very first level and sustaining his dominance till the end.
Pramod Bhagat mentioned, as per a press launch: ‘I’m very comfortable to complete the event with a gold and a silver. The singles closing was difficult, particularly after U Kumar acquired the early lead, however I stayed affected person and centered on my sport. Once I discovered my rhythm, I used to be in a position to take management. The doubles outcome was not what we needed, however I’m happy with the struggle we confirmed. Every worldwide event is a chance to be taught and enhance, and I’ll take the positives from Japan.’
Pramod later teamed up with Sukant Kadam within the Men’s Doubles SL3-SU5, the place the Indian duo secured the silver medal. They confronted Indonesia’s Hikmat Ramdani and Fredy Setiawan within the closing. The Indonesian pair got here out strongly and took the opening sport 21-05. Pramod and Sukant confirmed larger resistance within the second sport however couldn’t overturn the deficit, ultimately happening 21-05, 21-15.
For Sukant Kadam, the event was notably particular as his medal contribution took his profession tally to 100 medals in 12 years of aggressive badminton. The milestone got here alongside his silver medal in doubles and a singles silver-medal end within the Men’s Singles SL4 class.
In singles, Sukant confronted France’s Lucas Mazur within the closing. Mazur began strongly and took the opening sport 21-08. Sukant responded with a a lot stronger second sport, preventing onerous and difficult the Frenchman all through, however Mazur held his nerve to shut out the match 21-16.
Sukant Kadam mentioned:’Reaching 100 profession medals is a really particular second for me. When I began taking part in para badminton 12 years in the past, I by no means imagined that I’d attain this milestone. There have been many ups and downs, victories and defeats, however each match has taught me one thing. I’m grateful to everybody who has supported me all through this journey. At the identical time, I do not need to take a look at 100 because the end line. It motivates me to maintain working more durable and goal for a lot of extra achievements for India.’
India’s Other Medal WinnersIndia continued its robust displaying throughout classes, with a number of gamers ending on the rostrum:-Shashank Kumar – Bronze, Men’s Singles WH1-Shashank Kumar & Ammu Mohan – Bronze, Mixed Doubles WH1-WH2-Deep Ranjan Bisoyee & Kuldeep Mahkul – Bronze, Men’s Doubles SL3-SU5-Takar Biri & Harshit Choudhary – Bronze, Men’s Doubles SL3-SU5-Abhijeet Sakhuja – Bronze, Men’s Singles SL4-Chirag Baretha & Wei Ming Tay (Singapore) – Gold, Men’s Doubles SU5. (ANI)