Paris Paralympics 2024 Badminton Gold Medalist Nitesh Story | Story of Nitesh, who won gold for the country in Paralympics: Lost his leg in a train accident 15 years ago, told his mother – I will return; Have done B.Tech from IIT Mandi

Comeback…This 4 letter word sounds very small, but its meaning is big. Its real meaning is hidden in the success story of para-badminton player Nitish Kumar from Karnal (Haryana).

30 year old Nitesh won gold medal for India in Paris Paralympics. This is the same Nitesh, who lost his left leg in a train accident 15 years ago in 2009. They were going to play a local football tournament in Visakhapatnam. Here Nitesh’s dream of becoming a footballer was shattered. 15 year old Nitesh did not give up and seeing his mother crying in the hospital, said – ‘Mother, I will return.'(Paris Paralympics 2024 Badminton Gold Medalist)

While recovering from the accident, Nitesh did B.Tech Engineering from IIT Mandi. To relieve the stress of studies, he again took up sports, but this time he chose badminton instead of football. Not only this, on August 2, he won India’s second gold in the Paris Paralympics and hoisted the jersey in the style of Dada (Sourav Ganguly).(Paris Paralympics 2024 Badminton Gold Medalist)

Nitesh Kumar, who returned home, talked to Dainik Bhaskar. He said- ‘I am happy that I was able to serve the country in some way or the other.’ Excerpts of conversation with Nitesh Kumar from Dainik Bhaskar…(Paris Paralympics 2024 Badminton Gold Medalist)

This photo of Nitish Kumar is from September 2 this year. When he won gold in Paralympics.

Question- Tell us about the struggles of the journey till here? answer- I have seen a lot of ups and downs in life. First wanted to become a footballer. My father had been in the Navy, so I was also fond of the white uniform. I also wanted to serve the country by joining the Navy. But, this dream of mine was broken in 2009 in that accident.(Paris Paralympics 2024 Badminton Gold Medalist)

With father’s support, I recovered and focused on studies. Started playing badminton to keep myself refreshed during studies. This is where my career started.

Question- You have returned from a major accident, what is your motivation? answer- When I regained consciousness after the accident, I found myself in the hospital. Mother was crying…so I told her – don’t worry. I will return again. Met other players after winning the medal in the National Championship. Motivated myself by the struggles of my friends there. When I won gold at the Irish Para-Badminton International in 2017, I felt that my dream of becoming a player could be fulfilled through this.(Paris Paralympics 2024 Badminton Gold Medalist)

Question- What was the strategy in Paris Paralympics? answer- When qualifying happened, it felt like a milestone had been crossed. Before going to Paris, I never thought that I would win gold. I kept winning one match after another and reached the finals, then it came to my mind that I too had to do the same thing that Pramod Bhaiya (Pramod Bhagat) had done 3 years ago in Tokyo. After the final the coach said that you gave your best at the right time.

Question- Who is your favorite player? answer- My favorite player is Virat Kohli. I am quite impressed with him. He keeps himself quite fit. I have seen many of his interviews, in which he has said how he has changed himself since 2013. How hard you work to keep yourself fit. How to plan and focus on training.(Paris Paralympics 2024 Badminton Gold Medalist)

Question- How did you miss Tokyo? answer- I could not qualify for Tokyo. In badminton, qualifying is based on ranking. I had an exam. In such a situation, I could participate in fewer events during that period. During that time my fitness was also not good. I was also ill. But the mistakes made at that time were rectified in preparation for Paris. The coaches of Sports Authority of India (SAI) helped me in this. I got selected in TOPS. I got all kinds of support and training. Due to which I became aware of badminton and qualified for Paralympics.(Paris Paralympics 2024 Badminton Gold Medalist)