In a stunning display of resilience and skill, India’s para badminton star Pramod Bhagat marked his return to the international stage with a gold medal in the Men’s Singles SL3 category at the China Para Badminton International 2025.
After an 18-month hiatus from competitive play, Bhagat’s victory not only reaffirmed his status as a legend in the sport but also served as a powerful testament to his unyielding spirit.
The final match against Indonesia’s Muh Al Imran was a rollercoaster of emotions. Bhagat started on the back foot, dropping the first set 21-15. However, the seasoned athlete dug deep, channelling his experience to stage a remarkable turnaround. He clinched the second set 21-19 in a tense battle and sealed the win with a dominant 21-16 in the decider. This triumph was especially meaningful for Bhagat, who had been sidelined and missed the Paris Paralympics due to three whereabouts failures under anti-doping regulations.
Bhagat’s success extended beyond singles, as he teamed up with compatriot Sukant Kadam to secure a silver medal in the Men’s Doubles event. The pair put up a valiant fight against fellow Indians Jagadesh Dilli and Naveen Sivakumar but ultimately fell short in a gripping three-set encounter, with scores of 18-21, 22-20, and 18-21.
Reflecting on his achievement, Bhagat shared his heartfelt emotions: “This gold medal is very special for me. Coming back after 18 months and proving myself again is a priceless feeling. I want to thank my coaches, supporters, and everyone who believed in me during the tough phase. This is just the beginning of my comeback story.”
The victory has sparked celebrations, particularly in Odisha, Bhagat’s home state. Coach Shiba Prasad Das, along with Mr. Kamala Kanta Ratha (President) and Mr. Sunil Pradhan (Secretary) of the Para Sports Association of Odisha, extended their congratulations:
“Para athletes from Odisha are consistently achieving success in various sports, bringing pride and glory to the state. Pramod Bhagat’s golden comeback is an inspiration to all athletes.”
Bhagat’s performance at the tournament highlights the growing prowess of Indian para athletes on the global stage and sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting chapter in his illustrious career.
