'Aim is to equal Lin Dan's record of winning five world titles,' says para-badminton legend Pramod Bhagat

Published at :December 25, 2023 at 2:28 PM

Modified at :December 27, 2023 at 5:58 PM

(Courtesy : pramod.bhagat8/Instagram)

He defended his Asian Para Games successfully in October earlier this year.

India’s trailblazer in para badminton, Pramod Bhagat, has been in scintillating form in the past few months, retaining his Asian Para Games gold medal in men’s singles SL-3 in Hangzhou, China. The four-time world champion started the season by reaching the final of Spanish Para-Badminton International but failed to cross the final barrier.

In the following tournament in Brazil, Pramod once again progressed to the final but fell short of the final hurdle this time to countryman Nitesh Kumar. After a flurry of close finishes, the athlete from Odisha triumphed for the first time at the Thailand Para International defeating Englishman Daniel Bethell. The Indian reached the final in all eight tournaments participated showing peak consistency.

To sum up the season, the current world no.2 finished second at Dubai Para Badminton International and now has his sights set on the World Para-Badminton championships scheduled early next year. Ahead of the upcoming season, Khel Now interacted with Pramod Bhagat on his overall performance this season and the road ahead to the Paris Paralympics 2024.

“I have to admit, I am not happy with the season as I did much better in the previous years. I always held the top spot (WR-1) in the last two to three years but now I am in second place. My goal is to get back to the pole position.

“Moreover, the performance until the Asian Para Games was not satisfactory, but the gold medal in the singles category changed my momentum, and have started to feel comfortable after the triumph.”

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Evolution of Para-Badminton over the years

“Before, the players practiced and did not take part in tournaments i.e they were not professionals. But now we can see that many have become professionals and have dedicated themselves to the sport. Players now engage in skill training, mental fitness, etc which helps them to do well at the national and world events. Also, when I began playing badminton there was no Asian Games and we had a different event for para-athletes.

“Once Para Asian Games and more importantly Paralympics were announced the sport was taken up seriously. Major changes seen now are that more people have started recognizing us and are watching our matches keenly. Also, there is govt support followed by sponsors who have come forward to help in whatever aspects possible.

“Moreover, I started playing badminton with self-interest and later came to know there were separate categories in para-badminton. Slowly, I started playing well and improved my skillset which helped me in the longer run. As I said before, para badminton was not part of the Olympics so I set a goal for myself to win a medal in world championships – which was considered optimum (then). Fast forward, I achieved my dream.

“My journey which started with interest has taken me a long way forward. Winning medals in the district, state, and nationals motivated me a lot which in turn helped me perform well at the international stages.”

Challenges

There were plenty of challenges but the first one was to prove myself. The main challenge was to prove who I am and next was to make the nation proud by achieving big on the international stage. In 2005-06, badminton wasn’t that popular and people used to think playing the sport was a waste of time. I wasn’t bothered by what others said, but rather focused on how to perform well and move ahead.

After a few years, my performance spoke on my behalf and from there on the journey continued. Furthermore, mental pressure has been most talked about in the current times. If you ask me I would say I was privileged to have played under pressure during my younger days. A lot of people turn up when we play tournaments in villages and playing in front of them was a hectic task. Having gone through that, I feel comfortable playing anywhere now under any circumstances.

Road ahead

Pramod Bhagat in his illustrious career has won all the major medals including the Paralympics, world championships, and the Para Asian Games. Apart from this, he has been the national champion for several years defeating several Indian counterparts.

“Every human will want to keep achieving until his time gets over (retirement). I believe I have more fuel left in me and will keep striving to achieve more for my country. I currently have won four world titles and on the contrary, Lin Dan has won five. My aim will now be to match his record and win five world championship titles. Furthermore, I have a Tokyo Paralympics gold medal to defend as well.

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