Nitesh Kumar And Thulasimathi Murugesan Shine For India In Paris 2024 Paralympics Badminton Opener

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India's Nitesh Kumar and Thulasimathi Murugesan started their Paralympic campaign on a high note, defeating fellow countrymen Suhas Yathiraj and Palak Kohli in the opening group stage of the badminton mixed doubles (SL3-SU5) event on Thursday.

The match saw Nitesh and Thulasimathi display a dominant performance, winning 21-14, 21-17 in just 31 minutes. Nitesh, a 29-year-old from Haryana's Karnal district, partnered with Thulasimathi, a young veterinary science student from Tamil Nadu, to secure the victory.

The duo, who had previously won a bronze medal at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, faced little resistance in the first game. Their superior net play and deep tosses quickly put them in control, allowing them to establish a seven-point lead at one stage. Suhas and Palak struggled to keep up, with the first game ending in just 14 minutes.

The second game followed a similar pattern, with Palak unable to match the experience and skill of her senior partner. This mismatch in performance allowed Nitesh and Thulasimathi to capitalize on their opponents' mistakes and close out the match in straight games.

Their victory not only showcased their talent but also reinforced their position as strong contenders in the mixed doubles category. In contrast, the other Indian pair, Sivarajan Solaimalai and Nithya Sre, seeded second in the SH6 category, faced a tough challenge in their Group B match.

KDespite putting up a valiant effort, they were defeated by the American duo of Miles Krajewski and Jayci Simon in straight games, 21-23, 11-21. The match lasted 35 minutes, with Sivarajan and Nithya giving a strong fight in the first game, even holding a slender lead at one point.

However, the young and agile American pair, both in their late teens, proved too formidable, particularly in the second game, which they won comfortably. Sivarajan, who trains at the Pullela Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad, and his partner Nithya showed determination but ultimately fell short against their energetic opponents.

The loss in the second game, which lasted just 14 minutes, highlighted the physical toll on the Indian pair as they struggled to keep pace. As the Paralympic Games continue, Nitesh Kumar and Thulasimathi Murugesan's victory brings hope for further successes in the badminton events, while Sivarajan and Nithya will look to bounce back in their remaining matches.