In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Suhas Yathiraj secured a silver medal in the Men’s Singles SL4 category at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. This achievement marks his second consecutive silver medal in this category, following his success at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
The Final Match
On September 2, 2024, Suhas faced Lucas Mazur of France in the final match at the La Chapelle Arena. Despite a valiant effort, Suhas was defeated in straight games with a scoreline of 9-21, 13-21. The match lasted 34 minutes, with Mazur showcasing his dominance and tactical prowess throughout.
The first game saw Mazur take an early lead, capitalizing on Suhas’s errors and maintaining a strong offensive strategy. Suhas struggled to keep up, and Mazur closed out the game 21-9. In the second game, Suhas started stronger, but Mazur’s consistent performance and precise shots secured him the victory with a 21-13 score.
Journey to the Final
Suhas’s journey to the final was filled with impressive performances. He displayed exceptional form throughout the tournament, defeating several top-seeded players. His semifinal match against Indonesia’s Fredy Setiawan was particularly noteworthy, where Suhas won in straight games to secure his place in the final.
Suhas Yathiraj is an IAS Officer, who is the incumbent District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar in Uttar Pradesh.
He won 🥈 at the Tokyo Paralympics and a 🥇 at the 2024 World Championships…and is now one win away from a possible Paralympic 🥇 !#Paris2024 |… pic.twitter.com/OOGqhvtuqP
— Shyam Vasudevan (@JesuisShyam) September 1, 2024
Suhas Yathiraj: A Multifaceted Personality
Apart from his achievements in badminton, Suhas Yathiraj is also an accomplished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. Born in Hassan, Karnataka, Suhas has overcome an ankle impairment to excel in both sports and academics. He graduated in computer engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Surathkal, and cleared the Civil Services examination in 2006.
Suhas has held various administrative positions, including District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar and Prayagraj. His ability to balance a demanding career in public service with his passion for badminton is truly commendable. Suhas is the first and only serving IAS officer to win a Paralympic medal, and he has received numerous awards, including the Arjuna Award and Uttar Pradesh’s highest civilian honour, the Yash Bharti.
Also Read: Thulasimathi Murugesan Clinches Silver in Women’s Badminton Singles SU5 at Paris 2024 Paralympics
