Pramod Bhagat is India’s first Paralympic gold medalist in the sport of badminton. At the Tokyo Olympics, the 33-year-old won gold in the men’s singles badminton SL3 category. He won by defeating Daniel Bethell of the United Kingdom. Dhanush claims that he has an amazing path that might be beautifully captured on film. In an end-of-year statement, he says, “I would be the incorrect person to remark on this, but I can say for sure that I have a very intriguing trip ahead of me.”
Key Highlights
- Pramod Bhagat is India’s first Paralympic gold medalist in the sport of badminton.
- At the Tokyo Olympics, the 33-year-old won gold in the men’S singles SL3 category.
- The reigning world champion wants the medal to serve as a reminder to never give up and pave the way for India to become the world’s para-badminton hub.
- Dhanush claims that he has an amazing path that might be beautifully captured on film.
- ‘I would be the incorrect person to remark on this, but I can say for sure that I have a very intriguing trip ahead of me.
Pramod Bhagat, the reigning world champion, made history by becoming India’s first-ever para-badminton gold medallist at the Paralympics, and the para-athlete simply wants the medal to serve as a reminder to never give up and pave the way for India to become the world’s para-badminton hub.
Badminton made its Paralympic debut this year, and due to Bhagat, it was an excellent start for India. He made history on Saturday by winning gold in the men’s singles SL3 badminton event at the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics. He won by defeating Daniel Bethell of the United Kingdom.
‘It doesn’t get any bigger than this. A Paralympic medal is the sweetest thing in the world. I hope that this medal encourages more young people to participate in sports. ‘I wanted India to be the world’s para-badminton hub,’ Bhagat tells us, adding, ‘I went over the top.’ Bethell put a lot of pressure on me and played a great game. I’m delighted I was able to step up my game at such a key time.’
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi called to congratulate him, it added a particular touch to his celebration. ‘For every Indian, it is a source of pride that the country’s most powerful leader supports and congratulates you.’ It’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life,’ says the 33-year-old, who is from Attabira in the Bargarh district of Odisha.
While his call with Modi was brief, he expressed interest in meeting him soon and “talking to him at length.”
‘This gold medal has demonstrated that no matter how bad a circumstance is, you can overcome it through hard work.’ This past year has been difficult for everyone, not just myself. ‘I hope this medal brings a smile to everyone’s face,’ says an overjoyed champion.
In fact, Bhagat is ecstatic for all of the para-athletes who are establishing a name for themselves at the Tokyo Olympics. ‘The results speak for themselves in terms of Indian para-athletes’ performance. In India, it’s a significant win for parasports and parabadminton. I’m proud that I was able to give it my all and win a medal. ‘I hope that this will inspire future players to participate in the sport and excel,’ he says.
Bhagat has surmounted various hurdles imposed on by polio when he was a child, and now has a ‘gold’ moment in his career shining brightly. Is he anticipating a biopic about his life in the near future?
‘I’m not the right person to speak on this, but I can assure you that I’ve had a fascinating adventure that can be captured beautifully on film.’ ‘On a lighter note, I’d want to see Dhanush or Nawazuddin Siddiqui portray my character,’ he says as he signs off.
It's official Pramod Bhagat wins first ever GOLD for India in the first ever edition of #ParaBadminton at #Paralympics pic.twitter.com/J4zgwwMmu2
— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) September 4, 2021
Pramod Bhagat's gesture after wining the Gold. pic.twitter.com/DBjLzIsrol
— Aaj Ki Taza Khabar (youtube channel) (@AKTKadmin) September 4, 2021
