Indian para shuttler Pramod Bhagat, 37, brought glory to India, winning three gold medals at the 1st Abia Para Badminton International tournament held in Abia, Nigeria, from September 30 to October 5, 2025. Known for his sharp tactical acumen and indomitable spirit, Bhagat reaffirmed his status as India’s most decorated para shuttler, bouncing back from past challenges to deliver an all-round performance. His remarkable feat included victories in men’s singles SL3, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles, underlining his versatility and dominance in international para badminton. The tournament also highlighted India’s rising talent in para badminton, with multiple medals across categories.

A Hard-Fought Singles Victory

Bhagat began his golden journey with the men’s singles SL3, defeating compatriot Mantu Kumar in a thrilling final, 21-7, 9-21, 21-9. After a dominant first game, Bhagat lost the second, but his trademark composure and tactical intelligence enabled a decisive comeback in the third game. His victory was not only a display of skill but also of resilience, a hallmark of his illustrious career. 

Bhagat’s journey has been marked by ups and downs. Having won gold at the Tokyo Paralympics, he missed the Paris Games due to three whereabouts failures. Yet, he returned stronger, clinching the China Para Badminton International title after an 18-month hiatus. His Abia performance proves that determination, discipline, and mental strength can overcome setbacks and maintain excellence at the highest level.

Dominance in Doubles

Pramod Bhagat then teamed up with Sukant Kadam in the men’s doubles, defeating Peru’s Gerson Jair Vargas Lostaunaul and Diana Rojas Golac 21-13, 21-17. The duo’s synergy and strategic understanding on court were key factors in their victory. 

“Playing alongside Pramod always pushes me to bring my best game. Our understanding on court has grown stronger with every match,” said Kadam. 

Their win not only added another gold to Bhagat’s tally but also highlighted the importance of teamwork, trust, and communication in doubles badminton.

Mixed Doubles Glory

Completing his triple triumph, Bhagat partnered with Arati Patil in mixed doubles (SL3-SU5), winning a closely contested final. Their combined skills, adaptability, and resilience helped them seal the match, demonstrating Bhagat’s ability to perform under pressure in both individual and team events.

Pramod Bhagat: From Polio to Para Badminton Glory
Pramod Bhagat's journey into para badminton began as a young boy in Odisha, India, where he contracted polio at the age of five. This illness resulted in a disability in his left leg, classifying him in the SL3 category for para badminton.  Pramod Bhagat’s journey is not just about titles; it’s a story of perseverance and inspiration. 

Overcoming the disappointment of missing the Paris Paralympics and returning from a long ban required extraordinary mental strength. His ability to stay motivated, focused, and positive serves as a lesson for athletes and non-athletes alike that setbacks are temporary, but dedication creates lasting impact.  His story, along with the stellar performances of India’s para shuttlers, shines a spotlight on India’s growing stature in global para sports, inspiring countless young athletes to dream big and strive for excellence.