Pramod Bhagat won three gold medals at the Abia Para Badminton competition.

New Delhi – India’s top para badminton player Pramod Bhagat continued his golden campaign by winning three titles at the first Abia Para Badminton International Tournament held in Abia, Nigeria from September 30 to October 5. The 37-year-old para athlete had won a gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics but was eliminated from the Paris Paralympics due to three instances of failing to provide his location information.

Bhagat won the men’s singles SL3 title by defeating fellow countryman Mantu Kumar 21-7, 9-21, 21-9 in a tough final. Returning after an 18-month suspension and having won the China Para Badminton International, Bhagat made a strong comeback after losing the second game to clinch the match.

He then partnered with Sukant Kadam to win the gold medal in men’s doubles, defeating Peru’s Gerson Jair Vargas Lostanau and Diana Rojas Golac 21-13, 21-17. Bhagat secured his third title in mixed doubles (SL3-SU5) where he partnered with Aarti Patil to win another close final.

Bhagat-Sukant Victory, India’s Medal Clean Sweep

Bhagat stated in a release that every victory motivates him to push his limits further. Competing at this level and bringing glory to India is always special. Bhagat’s doubles partner Sukant Kadam said that playing with Pramod always inspires him to perform at his best. Their understanding on the court has strengthened with every match. This victory will boost their confidence for upcoming international tournaments.

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