Indian para-badminton players continue impressive run, with Sanjana securing a medal on her Asian Para Games debut

Aichi-Nagoya, October 22(HS): Indian para-badminton players continued their impressive performance at the Asian Para Games 2026, with Sanjana Kumari, Suhas Yathiraj and Abhijeet Sukhija winning bronze medals in their respective events. Meanwhile, Naveen Shivkumar advanced to the final of the men’s singles SL4 event. The achievement was particularly significant for Sanjana and Naveen, both of whom are making their Asian Para Games debuts.

**Sanjana Wins Bronze on Her Debut**

Sanjana Kumari suffered a defeat against Japan’s Shino Kawai in the semi-final of the women’s singles SL3 event. Despite putting up a determined fight, Sanjana lost in straight games, 7-21, 9-21. Although she missed out on a place in the final, she secured the bronze medal. Winning a medal in her maiden Asian Para Games campaign marks a significant achievement for the Indian shuttler.

**Suhas Yathiraj Claims Bronze After Thrilling Contest**

India’s Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj faced a closely contested defeat against Indonesia’s Fredy Setiawan in the semi-final of the men’s singles SL4 event. Suhas narrowly lost the opening game 21-23 but staged an impressive comeback in the second, winning 21-8 to level the contest and force a deciding game.

The third game remained evenly poised until the score reached 11 points. However, the Indonesian player subsequently gained the advantage and secured a 23-21, 8-21, 21-15 victory. Following the semi-final defeat, Suhas was awarded the bronze medal.

**Naveen Reaches Final as Abhijeet Secures Bronze**

In the other semi-final of the men’s singles SL4 event, India’s Naveen Shivkumar defeated compatriot Abhijeet Sukhija in straight games to book his place in the final. Displaying composure under pressure, Naveen performed strongly at crucial moments to move a step closer to the gold medal.

Making his debut at the Asian Para Games, Naveen achieved a notable milestone by reaching the final. Abhijeet, meanwhile, secured the bronze medal following his semi-final defeat.

With these results, Indian players added three more medals to the country’s para-badminton tally, while Naveen now has an opportunity to compete for gold in the final.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar