Tokyo, Tokyo Paralympic gold medallist Pramod Bhagat secured a gold in men’s singles SL3 and silver in men’s doubles SL3-SU5, while Sukant Kadam bagged the 100th medal of his career at the Japan Para Badminton International here on Sunday.
“I am very happy to finish the tournament with a gold and a silver. “Once I found my rhythm, I was able to take control. The doubles result was not what we wanted, but I am proud of the fight we showed. Every international tournament is an opportunity to learn and improve, and I will take the positives from Japan,” he added. The milestone came alongside a silver in men’s doubles and a silver-medal finish in men’s singles SL4. “There have been many ups and downs, victories and defeats, but every match has taught me something. I am grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey.
For Kadam, the tournament was particularly special as he took his career tally of medals to 100 in 12 years of competitive badminton. In the men’s singles SL4 final, Kadam lost 8-21, 16-21 to France’s Lucas Mazur. “Reaching 100 career medals is a very special moment for me. When I started playing para badminton 12 years ago, I never imagined that I would reach this milestone,” he said.
The singles final was challenging, especially after U Kumar got the early lead, but I stayed patient and focused on my game,” Pramod said in a release.
