‘We never lost our gold, Pramod Bhaiya’: Nitesh Kumar to Bhagat after being crowned Paralympic champion

As the national anthem played and the Indian flag rose triumphantly while the gold medal gleamed around his neck, Nitesh Kumar's mind wandered back to the entire saga that had led to his overwhelming win.

Standing atop the podium in Paris, he couldn't help but recall how he had once nursed grand dreams of earning his own Paralympic medal, all inspired by Pramod Bhagat's dazzling gold in Tokyo. He then cast his mind back further, to the pivotal moment that set his extraordinary journey in motion.

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The moment of victory for him was the crowning achievement of years spent working his fingers to the bone and persevering through relentless adversity.

At 29, and hailing from Haryana, he showcased his tactical genius to edge out the Tokyo silver medalist in a match that stretched over an intense hour and 20 minutes, with a final scoreline of 21-14, 18-21, 23-21. In the SL3 category, reserved for players with severe lower limb disabilities and played on a half-width court, Kumar's path to gold was as epic as it was improbable.

After losing his left leg in a 2009 train accident in Visakhapatnam at just 15, one might think the universe had it out for him. Yet, this setback only fueled his drive. His victory ensured India held on to the SL3 gold that Bhagat had snatched up three years ago when badminton made its Paralympic debut in Tokyo.

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Kumar, the son of a navy officer, had grand ambitions of following his father's footsteps into the defense forces. Naturally, a devastating accident was the perfect plot twist to derail those dreams. At the Artificial Limbs Centre in Pune, where he witnessed war veterans pushing their limits most dramatically. This cinematic display of grit and resilience sparked a dramatic shift in his outlook, reigniting his drive to conquer his own challenges. From the cozy confines of a hospital bed to the grand stage of the Paralympics, Kumar's transformation is as inspiring as it is predictable.

"It felt good that he remembered me, as I got the first call. He told me, ‘Bhaiya, we never lost our gold'. (laughs) It feels good, we don't want our gold to go to another country. Honestly, discussing strategies and going out on the court alone are two very different things. I mean, the execution is not always easy, and only the athlete has to do it. I am glad he surpassed our expectations. He is a brilliant player, I feel very proud of him. The plan always was that if I was not going, someone should get back the gold. Woh bhi mujhe wohi kehke gaya tha (he told me the same before leaving for Paris)," Bhagat told Mid-Day.

Kumar kept his word. He bagged his first-ever Paralympic gold medal last Monday, toppling Great Britain's Daniel Bethell in a men's singles SL3 badminton final that was nothing short of a dramatic marathon.

Facing an opponent who had previously beaten him nine times, Kumar exhibited a remarkable mental game, finally notching his first win against Bethell. The final was a grueling test of endurance and skill, featuring excruciatingly long rallies, including a nearly three-minute, 122-shot extravaganza in the opening game.

With sharp reverse hits, delicate drop shots, and impeccable net play, Kumar kept Bethell perpetually on edge. Despite trailing 6-9 at one point, his unyielding defense saw him claw back to lead 18-14, eventually sealing the first game when Bethell sent the shuttle wide. While Kumar could have wrapped it up in straight games, Bethell's comeback forced a decider.

In the final game, the tension was electric, with the score moving from 8-8 to 19-19. Kumar had his first championship point at 20-19 but missed it. Bethell had a match point at 21-20 but faltered. Seizing his chance, Kumar took the match when Bethell hit long and wide, sealing his gold medal in a perfectly anticlimactic fashion.

"He has improved to a great extent. He was always a sportsman, he was not associated with badminton earlier, but a sportsman doesn't take much time to adjust to new environments. After his accident, how he worked hard in his game is commendable," added Bhagat.

Exceptional feats like Kumar's are sure to resonate not just with those prone to tearful reflections over minor setbacks, but also with anyone who understands that sustained victory is the pinnacle of athletic achievement. It is easy for delicate skills to falter or for legs to rebel. And let us not forget the mindset that can disappear without warning.

Yet, here's Kumar, flaunting a success that underscores the seldom-seen virtue of durability, a trait that typically defines the careers of his peers.

But, he continues. To fight back, to live again!