Para shuttler Nitesh Kumar wants more para athletes in Arjuna awards list

Gold medallist at the 2024 Paris Paralympics is among those chosen for the second highest government sports prize

Nitesh Kumar, an Indian Institute of Technology-Mandi alumnus, never imagined that his decision to transition from electrical engineering would one day lead him to sporting glory. Last week, the Paris Paralympics gold medallist in the SL3 badminton men’s singles was chosen for the Arjuna award, India’s second highest sports prize.

Nitesh Kumar, a Paris Paralympics gold medallist in the SL3 badminton men’s singles,was chosen for the Arjuna Award last week (PTI)

India won 29 medals at the Paris Paralympics – the country’s most successful campaign with 7 gold, 9 silver and 13 bronze. In Tokyo, India won 19 medals (5 gold, 8 silver and 6 bronze).

On his Paralympics debut, the 30-year-old secured gold. Having given up engineering, Kumar made an impact as a senior badminton coach with the Haryana government since 2019.

“I feel great that I’m getting this recognition. This award will motivate me to push myself and achieve more medals for India,” he said.

Kumar, however, was disappointed that several other para athletes were overlooked for the government sports honour.

“The inclusivity in the society has gone higher. People appreciate our efforts and our victory more than earlier, but the para community is a little surprised that we only have one Khel Ratna awardee (para high jumper Praveen Kumar) when we had seven gold medallists,” said the Karnal native.