Know all the information, biography, age, disability and career journey of Indian badminton player Nitesh Kumar
Nitesh Kumar secured India’s third medal in para-badminton at the ongoing Paris Paralympics by defeating Japan’s Daisuke Fujihara in the men’s singles SL3 semi-finals. In a commanding performance, Nitesh won in straight games, 21-16, 21-12, to advance to the final, guaranteeing India at least a silver medal in this category.
Who is para-badminton player Nitesh Kumar, biography, age, ranking, birthplace state and disability
On Monday, Nitesh will face-off against British shuttler Daniel Bethell with the SL3 Men’s Singles gold medal at stake. As per the schedule, this gold medal game will begin at 3:30 PM IST.
Who is Nitesh Kumar?
Kumar Nitesh, born on December 30, 1994 in Bas Kirtan, Rajasthan is an Indian para-badminton player who has represented Indian in the Paris Paralympics 2024. Since his debut in 2016, he has risen to prominence, achieving a career-high world ranking of No. 3 in the SL3 category on June 14, 2022. Nitesh claimed his first title at the Irish Para-Badminton International in 2017, showcasing his exceptional talent and determination.
Nitesh Kumar secured a maiden medal in men’s singles SL3 category after reaching the finals with a commanding straight-game win over Japan’s Daisuke Fujihara in their last four clash at the Paris Paralympics here on Sunday (September 1, 2024).
The 29-year-old who is a IIT Mandi graduate and overcame permanent leg damage from a 2009 accident lives in Karnal, Haryana. SL3 class players, like Nitesh, compete with more severe lower limb disabilities, requiring to play on a half-width court.
Paralympics Games : Nitesh Kumar enter final
Nitesh Kumar beat Daisuke Fujihara (JPN) by 21-16 21-12 to enter final of Men’s singles SL3
He will face 2nd seed Daniel Bethell (GB) in Gold medal match pic.twitter.com/VXUZfkTqEX
— Sports India (@SportsIndia3) September 1, 2024
In 2019, he began serving as a Senior Badminton Coach with the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs in Haryana. Currently residing in Karnal, Haryana, Nitesh is also supported by the Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) in his ongoing athletic journey.
we examine career journey and achievements of Nitesh:
| Event | Category | Year | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result |
| World Championships | MS | 2024 | Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall, Pattaya, Thailand | England Daniel Bethell | 18–21, 22–20, 14–21 | Bronze |
| 2022 | Yoyogi National Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan | India Pramod Bhagat | 19–21, 19–21 | Silver | ||
| BWF Para Badminton World Circuit | MS | 2022 | Spanish Para Badminton International II | India Pramod Bhagat | 21–17, 17–21, 17–21 | Silver |
| 2022 | Brazil Para Badminton International | Japan Daisuke Fujihara | 21–15, 18–21, 21–18 | Gold | ||
| 2022 | Dubai Para Badminton International | India Pramod Bhagat | 21–19, 17–21, 17–21 | Silver | ||
| 2023 | Brazil Para Badminton International | India Pramod Bhagat | 21–12, 21–13 | Gold | ||
| MD | 2022 | Spanish Para Badminton International II | India Pramod Bhagat | 19–21, 21–11, 11–21 | Silver | |
| India Manoj Sarkar | ||||||
| 2022 | Brazil Para Badminton International | India Mohammad Arwaz Ansari | 21–13, 17–21, 18–21 | Silver | ||
| India Deep Ranjan Bisoyee | ||||||
| 2022 | Bahrain Para Badminton International | Thailand Mongkhon Bunsun | 21–13, 21–7 | Gold | ||
| Thailand Siripong Teamarrom | ||||||
| 2023 | Spanish Para Badminton International II | India Pramod Bhagat | 20–22, 21–12, 9–21 | Silver | ||
| India Sukant Kadam | ||||||
| XD | 2023 | Brazil Para-Badminton International | Indonesia Hikmat Ramdani | 18–21, 9–21 | Silver | |
| Indonesia Leani Ratri Oktila |