CM Rekha Gupta Hails Nitesh-Thulasimathi Silver at Asian Para Games
Synopsis
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta congratulated para-badminton players Nitesh Kumar and Thulasimathi Murugesan on winning silver in Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5 at the Asian Para Games 2026, praising their court chemistry and fighting spirit.
Key Takeaways
Nitesh Kumar and Thulasimathi Murugesan won silver in Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5 badminton at the Asian Para Games 2026 .
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta publicly congratulated the duo on 23 October 2026 .
Nitesh Kumar competes in the SL3 (lower limb impairment, standing) classification; Thulasimathi Murugesan in the SU5 (upper limb impairment) classification.
The Asian Para Games has featured badminton as a core discipline since its 2010 inaugural edition.
India's para-badminton doubles programme has shown consistent growth across successive Asian Para Games cycles.
A silver medal in mixed doubles badminton — and two para-athletes who earned every point of it. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta took to X on Friday, 23 October 2026, to celebrate Nitesh Kumar and Thulasimathi Murugesan's podium finish in the Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5 category at the Asian Para Games 2026.
Gupta described it as 'a brilliant run,' praising the pair's 'sharp rallies, superb court chemistry and a fighting spirit worthy of champions.' The post, tagged #Cheer4Bharat and #AsianParaGames2026, reflects a growing official appetite in India to spotlight para-sport achievements at the continental stage.
Nitesh and Thulasimathi — Two Para-Badminton Careers That Converge on the Podium
Nitesh Kumar competes in the SL3 classification, reserved for players with lower limb impairment who compete standing, and has accumulated international medals across successive Asian Para Games cycles. Thulasimathi Murugesan, competing in the SU5 category — for athletes with upper limb impairment — has built a reputation in mixed doubles formats at the continental level. Together, their classification pairing (SL3-SU5) is a recognised mixed doubles bracket in para-badminton under the Badminton World Federation's para division.
The Asian Para Games, held every four years in the cycle between Paralympic Games, has featured badminton as a core discipline since its 2010 edition. India's para-badminton contingent has grown steadily across successive editions, with improving doubles results adding depth to what was once a predominantly singles-driven medal count.
India's Para-Badminton Arc at Asian Para Games
The silver in Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5 fits a broader pattern: India has been fielding larger, more specialised para-badminton squads at each Asian Para Games, and the doubles categories have emerged as genuine medal opportunities alongside the traditional singles strengths. A continental silver is more than a milestone — it positions both athletes favourably heading into the international calendar that follows.
With India's remaining events at the 2026 Asian Para Games still unfolding, the badminton contingent's performance will be a key thread to watch as the final medal tally takes shape.
Two athletes, one silver, and a country watching — this is exactly the story Indian para-sport was built to write more of.
Point of View
Amplifying para-athlete victories serves a dual purpose: it aligns with the Centre's 'Khelo India' and para-sport push, while projecting inclusive governance. The silver in a mixed doubles category is also notable because it signals depth in India's para-badminton programme beyond its headline singles performers. How the national federation and government follow up with honours for Nitesh and Thulasimathi will indicate whether this recognition translates into sustained institutional support.
NationPress
24 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Nitesh Kumar and Thulasimathi Murugesan?
Nitesh Kumar is an Indian para-badminton player in the SL3 category (lower limb impairment, standing), and Thulasimathi Murugesan is an Indian para-badminton player in the SU5 category (upper limb impairment). Both have represented India at international para-badminton competitions, including the Asian Para Games.
What is the SL3-SU5 category in para badminton?
SL3-SU5 is a mixed doubles classification in para-badminton under the Badminton World Federation's para division. The SL3 player has lower limb impairment and competes standing, while the SU5 player has upper limb impairment. Pairing the two classifications in mixed doubles is a recognised competition format.
When and where are the Asian Para Games 2026 being held?
The Asian Para Games 2026 is a multi-sport continental competition for para-athletes across Asia, held in 2026 . The Games continue the series that began in 2010 , with badminton as one of its core disciplines. The specific host city for the 2026 edition was not confirmed in available information.
What did Delhi CM Rekha Gupta say about the silver medal?
Rekha Gupta described the win as 'a brilliant run,' praising Nitesh Kumar and Thulasimathi Murugesan for their 'sharp rallies, superb court chemistry and a fighting spirit worthy of champions,' and extended her 'heartiest congratulations' to the pair.
How has India performed in para badminton at the Asian Para Games historically?
India has fielded growing para-badminton teams at successive Asian Para Games since the discipline was introduced in 2010 , with improving results particularly in doubles categories in recent editions. The 2026 silver in Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5 is part of this broader upward trend.
