Did India Achieve Success with 19 Medals as Korea Dominates in Dubai Para-Badminton International?
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Synopsis
In an impressive display of talent, Indian para-badminton players achieved remarkable success at the Fazza Para-Badminton International in Dubai, bringing home 19 medals, including one gold, while South Korea emerged as the dominant force with six golds. Discover the highlights of this thrilling championship and the standout performances that left a lasting impression.
Key Takeaways
- India won a total of 19 medals, showcasing strong performances.
- Sivarajan Solaimalai and Sudarsan Saravanakumar Muthusamy achieved the only gold medal for India.
- South Korea dominated the medals table with six gold medals.
- Umesh Vikram Kumar earned silver in two categories.
- Emerging athletes like Sooyoung Yu and Gyeoul Jung excelled with multiple golds.
Dubai, May 12 (NationPress) Sivarajan Solaimalai and Sudarsan Saravanakumar Muthusamy secured the sole gold medal as Indian athletes excelled, amassing a total of 19 medals during the 6th Fazza Para-Badminton International – Dubai 2025. The event concluded with South Korea leading the medals tally, capturing six gold medals.
Trailing Korea on the medals board, Malaysia earned three gold medals, while Türkiye, India, England, and Indonesia each celebrated a gold medal victory at the event, which took place at the Shabab Al Ahli Club.
For India, the only gold medal was achieved by Sivarajan Solaimalai and Sudarsan Saravanakumar Muthusamy, who received a walkover from their top-seeded rivals, Hong Kong’s Chu Man Kai and Wong Chun Yim, in the men’s doubles SH6 finals due to an injury sustained by Chu during his men’s singles SH6 final.
In total, India secured 19 medals, comprising four silver and fourteen bronze medals.
The seasoned player Umesh Vikram Kumar claimed silver in both his Standing Lower SL3 singles and men’s doubles finals. The duo of Hardik Makkar and Ruthick Ragupathi fought valiantly but lost to the top-seeded Malaysian pair, Cheah Like Hou and Muhammad Fareez Anuar, in the men’s doubles Standing Upper SU5 finals.
Thani Juma Berregad, Chairman of the Fazza Championships, expressed admiration for the match intensity and the exceptional performances by the top competitors at the Shabab Al Ahli Club, while also commending the efforts of the UAE team, whose journey ended in the quarterfinals.
“The dedication and training of our players were evident through their performances. They strived to reach the level of Paralympic champions. I am truly pleased to observe their progress, and such performances will undoubtedly enhance their confidence. This championship has been a significant learning opportunity for the team,” he stated.
Emerging talents Sooyoung Yu and Gyeoul Jung each secured two gold medals in the men’s and women’s singles and doubles Wheelchair (WH2) finals. Meanwhile, Shin Kyung Hwan excelled with two golds in the men’s singles Standing SL4 and men’s doubles SL3-SL4, partnering with Joo Dongjae.
Sooyoung made a remarkable comeback after losing the first game, winning 19-21, 25-23, 22-20 against his senior peer Kim Jung Jun in a gripping men’s singles WH2 match.
He then teamed with Park Haeseong to triumph over legendary competitors Jung Jun and Choi Jungman with a score of 21-16, 21-13.
In the women’s category, unseeded Gyeoul stunned the top seed and veteran Emine Seckin from Türkiye, winning in straight games 21-18, 21-11 to claim the women’s WH2 title. Later, Gyeoul and Haeseong defeated the Turkish-Italian duo of Seckin and Yuri Ferrigno with a score of 21-16, 21-13.
Two Golds for Malaysia’s Top Seed
Among other prominent figures, world number one Cheah Liek Hou won two gold medals for Malaysia in the men’s singles and men’s doubles Standing Upper - SU5 events.
Cheah triumphed over compatriot Muhammed Fareez Anuar in straight games 21-12, 22-20 in the singles event, and together they secured the doubles title against India’s pair of Hardik Makkar and Ruthick Ragupathi with a score of 21-18, 21-15.
Ukrainian competitor Oksana Kozyna demonstrated her fighting spirit, overcoming France’s Milena Surreau, a newly classified SL3 player, with scores of 24-22, 17-21, 21-10 in the women’s singles Standing Lower – SL3 final.
Malaysia achieved further success when Muhammad Ikhwan Ramli completed a stunning comeback to win the men’s wheelchair WH1 final against Korean Paralympic silver medalist Choi Jungman with scores of 13-21, 21-18, 21-6.
Point of View
I commend the exceptional achievements of our Indian para-badminton athletes. Their hard work and resilience have truly paid off, and while South Korea may have led in gold medals, India's performance reflects significant growth and potential in the sport. This championship serves as a stepping stone for our athletes, and it is crucial that we continue to support and celebrate their endeavors.
NationPress
13/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many medals did India win at the Fazza Para-Badminton International?
India secured a total of 19 medals at the Fazza Para-Badminton International, including one gold, four silver, and fourteen bronze.
Who won the gold medal for India?
The gold medal for India was won by Sivarajan Solaimalai and Sudarsan Saravanakumar Muthusamy in the men’s doubles SH6 finals.
Which country topped the medals table?
South Korea topped the medals table, winning six gold medals.
What was the venue for the championships?
The championships were held at the Shabab Al Ahli Club in Dubai.
How did the UAE team perform?
The UAE team reached the quarterfinals but did not advance further in the competition.
