New Delhi,September 3(HS): Indian para-badminton star Sukant Kadam has created history by climbing to the top of the world rankings in the SL4 category for the very first time. With consistent performances on the international circuit, Kadam has firmly established himself as one of the leading figures in global para-badminton.

Over the past few years, Kadam has secured multiple medals at the World Para-Badminton Championships and the Asian Para Games. Most recently, he clinched a gold medal at the Spanish Para-Badminton International 2025, further boosting both his confidence and ranking. His immediate focus now shifts to the upcoming China Para-Badminton International 2025, which will serve as a crucial step in his build-up for the 2026 Asian Games.

Expressing his delight over the milestone, Kadam said, “Becoming World No.1 feels like a dream come true. It motivates me to keep working harder every single day. My eyes are now set on the China Para-Badminton International and, more importantly, the Asian Games next year, where I aim to win gold for India.”

He further added, “I hope this achievement makes the nation proud and inspires future generations of para-athletes. I am deeply grateful to my coaches, Nikhil Kanetkar and Mayank Gole, for their constant guidance, as well as my support team who have stood by me throughout this journey.”

In July 2025, Kadam also impressed at the British and Irish Para-Badminton International, where he defeated fellow Indian shuttler Naveen Shivakumar in straight sets in the SL4 semifinal. However, in the final, he narrowly missed the title after a close battle against France’s Paralympic champion Lucas Mazur, settling for a silver medal.

With his recent achievements and the coveted World No.1 ranking, Sukant Kadam has etched a golden chapter in India’s para-sports history.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar