Bhubaneswar, Sept 22: Para badminton icon Pramod Bhagat marked a sensational return to international competition by winning gold in the SL3 category at the China Para Badminton tournament. After an 18-month hiatus due to a WADA regulation issue, Bhagat’s comeback was nothing short of dramatic.
Facing Indonesia’s Mu Al Imran in the final, Bhagat dropped the first set 15–21 but rallied with steely determination to win the next two sets 21–19 and 21–16, sealing his victory and reaffirming his dominance in the sport.
Bhagat also secured a silver medal in men’s doubles alongside Sukant Kadam, narrowly losing to fellow Indians Jagadish Dilli and Naveen Shivkumar in a tightly contested match.
“This win means everything. After 18 months away, stepping back onto the court and proving myself again is priceless,” Bhagat said, expressing heartfelt gratitude to his coach, supporters, and everyone who stood by him.
Coach Shivprasad Das, Para Sports Association President Kamalakanta Rath, and editor Sunil Pradhan extended their congratulations, calling the victory a new chapter in Bhagat’s legendary career.
