India bolstered its para badminton haul at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Nagoya on 22 October, with Sanjana Kumari and Abhijeet Sakhuja claiming bronze medals while Paris Paralympic champion Nitesh Kumar, Naveen Sivakumar, and the mixed doubles pair of Nitesh Kumar and Thulasimathi Murgesan all advanced to their respective gold medal contests. The results give India multiple opportunities to extend its medal tally further in the sport.

Sanjana and Abhijeet Secure Bronze

Sanjana Kumari marked her maiden Asian Para Games appearance with a podium finish, taking bronze in the women's singles SL3 event. She was beaten in the semifinal by Japan's Shino Kawai, losing 7-21, 9-21, ending her run at the final four. Despite the defeat, the debut outing with a bronze is considered a significant achievement for the young Indian shuttler.

Abhijeet Sakhuja, also making his Asian Para Games debut, was knocked out of the men's singles SL4 semifinal by compatriot Naveen Sivakumar, who prevailed 21-13, 21-15 in an all-Indian clash. Abhijeet settled for bronze, while Naveen marched into the gold medal match.

Naveen Sivakumar Books Gold Medal Berth

Naveen Sivakumar delivered a composed performance in his Asian Para Games debut, overcoming the all-Indian challenge from Abhijeet with authority. His straight-games victory — 21-13, 21-15 — underlined his readiness to compete at the highest level. Naveen now sets his sights on the gold medal match as he looks to complete a debut-to-champion journey in Nagoya.

Nitesh Kumar Storms Into Two Finals

Paris Paralympic champion Nitesh Kumar secured his place in the men's singles SL3 final after defeating Indonesia's Imran Muh Al in straight games. Nitesh edged a tightly contested opener 21-19 before raising his intensity in the second to seal a 21-16 win. His composure and experience were on full display as he moved one step closer to adding an Asian Para Games gold to his already impressive collection of titles.

In the mixed doubles SL3–SU5 event, Nitesh partnered Thulasimathi Murgesan in a gruelling three-game semifinal against China's Mingpan Li and Zuxian Xiao. The Indian duo claimed the first game 21-19, before their opponents levelled by taking the second 21-14. In a tense decider that featured a rally lasting 79 seconds, Nitesh and Thulasimathi held their nerve to win 21-17, completing a 21-19, 14-21, 21-17 victory. They will now face Indonesia's Lani Ratri Oktila and Jikmat Ramdani in the final.

India's Campaign at the Asian Para Games

The day's results underscore India's growing depth in para badminton, a discipline where the country has steadily accumulated continental and global honours. With Naveen Sivakumar competing in the men's singles SL4 final and the Nitesh-Thulasimathi pair chasing mixed doubles gold, India could add to the bronze medals already secured by Sanjana and Abhijeet. The campaign reflects a broader pattern of India fielding competitive athletes across multiple categories at the continental level, building on the momentum generated at the Paris Paralympics.

India's para badminton contingent will return to the court for the gold medal matches, with all eyes on whether Nitesh Kumar can clinch a historic double in Nagoya.