Pramod Bhagat equals Lin Dan’s record at the Para Badminton World Championships

By
Teja Devathoti
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6
Pramod Bhagat

Indian Para legend Pramod Bhagat equals his Chinese Badminton idol Lin Dan’s record of 5 world championships in able-body champs of Para-Badminton. The southpaw defeated his longtime rival and the World No.1 Daniel Bethell in a thrilling 100-minute final at the Para Badminton World Championship in Pattaya on Sunday. In the process, the Indian shuttler also became the first to secure 3 consecutive wins, in the SL3 category in World Championships.

Pramod Bhagat defeats his rival

Ahead of the final, Parmod lost 8 out of 9 times against the Bethell. There were questions regarding Pramod’s dominance at the global level might come to an end. And to the expectations, the Englishman started the first game with a comfortable win. However, Pramod made an impressive comeback with an aggressive game style and clinched the victory in the final two games.

Speaking about this heroics in the final against his rival, Pramod said, “This match with Bethell would be my toughest both mentally and physically. I have not been playing well against Bethell the past few months and this was my time to prove doubters wrong. The match was exhaustive and Bethell played brilliantly but somehow, I managed to pull out a win,” he described.

Pramod also won two bronze medals at the competition in mixed and men’s doubles, along with Sukant Kadam and Manisha Ramadass respectively.

Pramod Bhagat set his target to defend his medal at the Paralympics

Pramod will be appearing for his second Olympic game this year. He also mentioned his preparation for the mega event after his win against Bethell.

“Since the Olympics, I lacked in my training, and he also worked on his game, and he always had an upper hand in the 7 to 8 times that we have played in the finals. So, it became a mental barrier for me. I had to break that barrier before the Paris Olympics.”

“It was an important win for me, not only because I wanted to equal Lin Dan’s record but also because the Olympics is the next big event, and I wanted to go into Paris without any mental barrier. It will help me to retain my gold, and that is the goal now,” said Bhagat.

The 35-year-old, Pramod Bhagat also expressed his desire to participate in the 2036 Paralympic games, which are likely to be hosted by India.

“I also have a goal of participating at the 2036 Paralympics, which hopefully, India will host. Age is a number and I am fit and I hope I can stay fit and compete in 2036. It is a very long-term goal but not an impossible dream,” Bhagat said.

“If not singles, I can play in mixed or men’s doubles. India is becoming a sports hub, and I want to be there when India gets to host the Paralympics,” said the World Champion.

Also Read: 200 Para-Athletes get inducted into SAI NCoEs

 

 

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