From setbacks to success: How Nitesh Kumar won gold at the Paralympics in Paris

Nitesh Kumar has won the gold medal in the men's SL3 badminton singles at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. The 29-year-old hails from Haryana and, inspired by his father, a naval officer, had a desire to join the army. Originally, football was his first sporting love. A life-changing accident took his path and dreams in a new direction. Nitesh's path to Paralympic success was marked by challenges and perseverance.

In 2009, at the age of 15, Nitesh lost his leg in a train accident in Visakhapatnam. Despite being bedridden for months, he remained focused on his studies. After a year's break, he prepared for the IIT JEE and got admitted to IIT Mandi for electrical engineering in 2013. It was during his time there that he developed an interest in badminton, which eventually became his passion.

Nitesh's career in para-badminton began in 2016 and marked a significant turning point in his life. That year, he earned a place in the Haryana team to participate in the Para National Championship, where his determination and hard work paid off as he won a bronze medal. This success not only highlighted his potential in the sport but also ignited his passion for para-badminton.

Building on his domestic success, Nitesh also made an impact on the international stage in 2017 by winning his first international title at the Irish Para-Badminton International. This victory was a testament to his growing skills and determination and set the stage for a series of impressive performances on the global stage.

In the years that followed, Nitesh continued to excel, winning awards and medals at various prestigious international competitions. He participated in the Asian Para Games, where his performances further cemented his reputation as an outstanding athlete in Para-Badminton. In addition, his participation in the BWF Para-Badminton World Circuit earned him even more recognition as he consistently demonstrated his talent and resilience against top competitors from around the world.

Nitesh is currently working as a senior badminton coach for the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, Haryana. Although he got a coaching job in 2019, he continued his performance on the badminton court, winning medals frequently.