Indian Shuttlers Nitesh Kumar and Naveen Sivakumar Win Asian Para Games Badminton Gold
India enjoyed a memorable day in para badminton at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Nagoya on Friday, with Nitesh Kumar and Naveen Sivakumar capturing gold medals in the men’s singles events. Nitesh triumphed in the SL3 category, while Naveen claimed the title in SL4, adding two major victories to India’s campaign at the continental competition.
Nitesh’s gold came after a high-quality final against compatriot Pramod Bhagat, another Paralympic gold medallist. The Indian shuttler held his nerve in both games to secure a 21-18, 21-16 victory, completing the match in straight games. The result was especially significant given the stature of the opponent and the history between the two players.
Nitesh Kumar turns a past disappointment into gold
The SL3 final offered Nitesh a chance to overcome a painful memory from the previous edition. He had come close to winning the Asian Games title last time, but despite leading 19-16 in the deciding game, he was unable to finish the match. That narrow defeat made Friday’s result all the more meaningful.
“Very happy to win the Asian Games gold medal,” Nitesh said after his victory. He described beating Pramod in two games as particularly special, noting how rare it is to defeat such a decorated opponent in a major final without dropping a game.
Nitesh’s performance was built on composure as much as attacking quality. With the opening game tightly contested, every point carried weight. He stayed focused through the closing stages, then carried that momentum into the second game to prevent Pramod from forcing a decider. The victory underlined the depth of India’s para badminton squad, where top-level players can meet each other before the final rounds of an international tournament.
Naveen Sivakumar dominates the SL4 final
Naveen delivered another strong result for India, defeating Indonesia’s Fredy Setiawan 21-9, 21-17 in the men’s singles SL4 final. The match lasted 36 minutes, with Naveen taking control early and then managing the Indonesian’s response in the second game.
The opening game was decisive in setting the tone. Naveen’s 21-9 scoreline reflected an assured start, as he kept the pressure on Setiawan and limited his opponent’s opportunities to build momentum. The second game proved more competitive, but Naveen remained steady in the closing points to seal the gold medal.
Winning in straight games is a valuable achievement in a tournament where players face a demanding schedule and little room for recovery. Naveen’s performance demonstrated both his ability to attack decisively and his discipline when a final becomes more closely contested.
Silver medals for Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan and Thulasimathi Murugesan
India also added two silver medals in women’s singles. Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan finished runner-up in the SH6 category after losing the final to China’s Li Fengmei, 12-21, 13-21. Li controlled the match across both games, but Nithya’s run to the final ensured another podium finish for the Indian team.
Thulasimathi Murugesan also claimed silver, reaching the final of the SU5 event before being defeated by China’s Yang Qiuxia. The score was 18-21, 11-21. Thulasimathi pushed the opening game close, but Yang gained greater control in the second to secure the title.
Although both Indian players fell short of gold, their silver medals contributed to a strong overall showing in badminton. Reaching a final at a major multi-sport event requires consistency across several rounds, and the results highlight India’s growing presence across different para badminton classifications.
What the results mean for Indian para badminton
The four medals in Nagoya reflect the breadth of India’s talent in para badminton. Nitesh and Naveen delivered gold-medal performances in two men’s categories, while Nithya and Thulasimathi added silver in women’s singles. Together, their results show strength across multiple events rather than dependence on a single standout athlete.
Para badminton is organised into sport classes based on the impact of an athlete’s impairment on movement and play. The SL3 and SL4 categories are for players with lower-limb impairments, while SH6 is for athletes of short stature and SU5 is for players with upper-limb impairments. These classifications allow athletes to compete on a more equitable basis and make the sport’s range of skills and tactical demands especially clear.
For India, success at the Asian Para Games offers more than a medal tally. Strong performances against leading opponents from countries such as China and Indonesia can build confidence, sharpen match experience and help athletes prepare for future international competitions. The close first game in Thulasimathi’s final and Nitesh’s composed finish against Pramod also illustrate how small tactical adjustments and mental resilience can shape outcomes at the highest level.
Friday’s results gave Indian supporters plenty to celebrate: two badminton gold medals, two silver medals and a series of performances that demonstrated the team’s competitive depth. Nitesh’s redemption, Naveen’s authoritative final and the women’s singles podium finishes together made for a significant day for Indian para badminton in Nagoya.
