Manisha Ramadass Claims Asian Para badminton Title, Nitesh Kumar Secures Double Gold
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Bangkok, Thailand – In a stunning upset, India’s Manisha Ramadass defeated China’s Yang Qiuxia, a two-time Paralympic champion, to win the women’s singles SU5 title at the Asian Para Badminton Championships 2024. The 20-year-old secured her first victory against Yang in a thrilling final held on Sunday. Adding to India’s success, Nitesh Kumar clinched two gold medals in the men’s singles SL3 category and mixed doubles SL3-SU5 category.
Ramadass Overcomes Qiuxia in Thrilling Final
Ramadass entered the match with a 0-6 head-to-head record against Qiuxia. However, she defied expectations with a 21-18, 17-21, 21-15 victory in a 57-minute showdown, securing her first Asian title. Ramadass’s strategy involved sharp cross-court drop shots that kept Qiuxia under constant pressure in the first game. After winning the first game, Qiuxia rebounded in the second, leveling the match. In the deciding game, Ramadass initially built a commanding 13-2 lead, but Qiuxia narrowed the gap to 15-14, before Ramadass regrouped to win the match.
nitesh Kumar Shines with Double Gold
Paralympic champion Nitesh Kumar also had a triumphant day, winning two gold medals. In the men’s singles SL3 final, Kumar defeated Indonesia’s Muh AI Imran in straight games. He then partnered with Thulasimathi Murugesan in the mixed doubles SL3-SU5 category, securing a victory against fellow Indians ruthick and Manasi in the final.
Did You Know? Para badminton was first introduced to the Paralympic Games at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics,marking a significant milestone for the sport.
Kumar is also set to compete in the men’s doubles SL3-SL4 final with Sukant Kadam, where they will face Naveen and Jagadish, another Indian duo.
Asian Para Badminton Championships 2024: Key Results
| Category | Gold Medalist | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Women’s Singles SU5 | Manisha Ramadass | India |
| Men’s Singles SL3 | Nitesh Kumar | india |
| Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5 | Nitesh kumar & Thulasimathi Murugesan | India |
Pro Tip: Following the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on social media is a great way to stay updated on para badminton news and events.
The Asian Para Badminton Championships 2024 showcases the growing prominence of para badminton and the exceptional talent of athletes from across Asia. These athletes continue to inspire with their dedication and achievements.
What other sports do you think should be included in the Paralympics? How do you think para-athletes can be better supported and recognized?
Para Badminton: A Growing Sport
Para badminton is a modified version of badminton for athletes with a range of physical disabilities. The sport is governed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and includes wheelchair and standing classes, allowing athletes with various impairments to compete. The increasing popularity and inclusion of para badminton in major international events like the Paralympic Games have considerably raised its profile, fostering greater awareness and opportunities for athletes with disabilities (Paralympic.org).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the classifications in para badminton?
Para badminton classifications include wheelchair classes (WH1, WH2) and standing classes (SL3, SL4, SU5) based on the athlete’s impairment (BWF).
How can I get involved in para badminton?
Contact your national para badminton federation or the BWF to find local clubs,training programs,and competitions (BWF Para Badminton).
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