Paris Paralympics: Nitesh Kumar secures at least silver, reaches dadminton SL3 final
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Indian badminton star Nitesh Kumar is assured of at least a silver medal in the men's singles SL3 category after a dominant performance in the semifinals of the Paris Paralympics on Sunday.
The top-seeded Nitesh secured his spot in the final with a straight-game victory over Japan's Daisuke Fujihara, winning 21-16, 21-12 in just 48 minutes.
The 29-year-old, who sustained permanent leg damage in a 2009 accident, showcased his skill and determination throughout the match. His victory ensures that India will take home a medal in the SL3 category, following Pramod Bhagat's gold medal win when para badminton made its debut at the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago.
In the SL3 classification, players like Nitesh compete with more severe lower limb disabilities, playing on a half-width court.
Nitesh is now set to face Great Britain's Daniel Bethell in the final.
Bethell, who finished as the runner-up to Pramod Bhagat in Tokyo, advanced to the final after a commanding 21-7, 21-9 win over Thailand's Bunsun Mongkhon in the other semifinal.
The upcoming final on Monday promises to be an electrifying showdown between two top competitors.