Nitesh Kumar defeats Daisuke Fujihara of Japan in SL3 category
Indian top seeded player Nitesh Kumar beat Daisuke Fujihara of Japan 21-16, 21-12 to secure a spot in the men’s singles final of the SL3 category, ensuring a medal for India. Nitesh, aged 29, who successfully recovered from a 2009 accident that left him with permanent leg injuries, displayed his superiority by defeating Fujihara 21-16 21-12 in a 48-minute semifinal match.
The graduate from IIT Mandi made sure that India won a medal in the SL3 category, following Pramod Bhagat’s gold medal win in para badminton’s debut three years ago in Tokyo.
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Players in the SL3 class compete with more severe lower limb disabilities
Players in the SL3 class, such as Nitesh, have more serious lower limb disabilities and must play on a court that is half the width.
Nitesh will compete against Daniel Bethell from Great Britain in the final match, as Bethell defeated Bunsun Mongkhon from Thailand 21-7, 21-9 in the semifinal. Bethell, who came in second to Pramod Bhagat in the Tokyo Paralympics, is a strong competitor, creating anticipation for an exciting final on Monday.
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Rakesh Kumar reaches quarter-finals in Archery
Rakesh Kumar reaches the quarter-finals of the men’s compound event.
During the competition between the top two archers in the world, Rakesh maintained his slim one-point advantage and required a 9-point shot to secure the victory in five rounds. However, he moved down to the 8-point red target because both archers were tied at 144-144 after shooting 15 arrows in the regulation five ends.
During the shoot-off that followed, the experienced 39-year-old athlete, who was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Tokyo Paralympics, remained calm and shot a flawless 10, while Ken scored an 8.
In the quarterfinals, Rakesh will compete against the victor between Kyle Tremblay from Canada and Meier from Austria.
