India’s Kumar Nitesh: “Not every win or every defeat will define you”
After winning Paralympic gold at Paris 2024, India’s Kumar Nitesh reflects on the wins and the setbacks that shaped his journey in Para badminton 03 Jul 2026
When India’s Para badminton star Kumar Nitesh reflects on the defining moment of his career, his mind immediately returns to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Standing atop the podium, wearing a gold medal and listening to the Indian national anthem surrounded by cheering fans, he experienced a moment that every athlete dreams of.
But for Nitesh, success is not measured by victories alone. He says it is equally important to reflect on the “lows” of his career.
“Not every win or every defeat will define you. It’s the journey that defines you,” he said. “You might be winning today, or you might not be winning the next day. But if you keep pushing yourself, you might win again. If you enjoy the journey, even if you win or lose, you will be satisfied at the end.”
“The ups and downs are what makes an athlete, athlete.”
India’s Para badminton star | Kumar Nitesh 🏸
Playing for India
Nitesh made history on his Paralympic debut at Paris 2024 by winning the men's singles SL3 gold medal. In a dramatic final, he defeated Great Britain's Daniel Bethell 21-14, 18-21, 23-21 to secure India's second consecutive gold in the event.
The victory was especially important for him given Bethell's dominance in their previous meetings. Before Paris 2024, Nitesh had never defeated the British star.
“I was expected to play the final, being the No. 1 seed. With the head-to-head I was having with Daniel Bethell, nobody expected me to win. It was the special moment when they announced that the men’s SL3 title stays with India. I think that was the memorable part for me.
“For any athlete, everybody aims to represent their country at the highest competition. Going to Paris was itself a proud and special moment, and coming out as champion was even more joyful for me.”
His gold medal added to an incredible Paralympic campaign for India. The country finished Paris 2024 with 29 medals, including seven gold, nine silver and 13 bronze, its most successful Paralympic Games to date.
For Nitesh, the celebrations that followed made his achievement even more sweet. The men’s singles SL3 title remained with India after Pramod Bhagat’s victory at Tokyo 2020, where Para badminton made its Paralympic debut.
“Everyone celebrated it in India very well, especially because it was not just me winning the Paris Paralympics, but it was about India winning the men’s SL3 again so it added on a joy for all of us, and for the whole team as well.”
Highs, lows and redemption
Paris 2024 also represented a deeply personal milestone for Nitesh, who lost his left leg in an accident in 2009.
“Coming to Paris and winning 15 years after my injury was also a redemption for me, that life never ends like this, that there’s always an upstairs when you fall. You just have to keep your head down and just be moving forward, just be grateful at whatever comes your way.”
After discovering Para badminton, Nitesh was guided by some of India’s most experienced players, including Paralympic champion Pramod Bhagat, who played an important role in helping him navigate the early stages of his career.
One of the most important lessons of Nitesh’s career also came against Bhagat. His defeat in the Asian Para Games final, after surrendering a lead, became a turning point that helped shape his mindset for future challenges.
“Losing the Asian Para Games final to Pramod after having a good lead was a good learning moment for me. (I taught me) that it's not going to come easy.
“That's what helped me when I was down in the Paris final against Daniel - that it's not over yet.”
Looking ahead to LA28
With just over two years until the LA28 Paralympic Games, Nitesh is already focused on defending his title.
Having successfully navigated Paralympic qualification once before, he understands the demands and is preparing himself physically and mentally for another campaign.
“I’m excited about going there as the defending champion and to defend my title,” he said. “Since I’ve done it once, qualifying for Paris, I know how much the journey takes and how much I need to push myself through the qualification and through the preparation. I need to prepare mentally, and it will not be as simple as it seems.
“I’m very excited because we will have new competitors in the category. It’s going to be more fun and excited to put in a great level in LA.”
This time around, Nitesh is taking a more strategic approach to his schedule. Rather than competing at every available tournament, he is placing greater emphasis on recovery and carefully selecting events as he builds towards Los Angeles.
Beyond his own ambitions, he is passionate about supporting the next generation of athletes. His message is simple: enjoy the process. Nitesh says the love of sport was never initially about medals or international success. It was part of his recovery after injury, and that passion ultimately carried him to the pinnacle of Para sport.
“When I started, it was not about Para badminton – it was about a sport that enjoyed playing post my injury. It was a recovery for me to do sports. I never thought I would be playing at this level.
“The best part about Para sports is that every athlete is different and every athlete has a different journey. But we still come out to win medals for our country – that is the beauty of Para sport.”
