Para Badminton: Bhagat rides on 'self-belief' and 'hard work' to clinch Paralympic gold

A four-time World Champion, Asian Para Games champion and now a Paralympic champion.

Pramod Bhagat showed why he is the best in the world, clinching India’s fourth gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, in style. This was also India’s first gold medal in Para Badminton and second in the day after promising Manish Narwal’s gold medal show in P4- mixed 50m Pistol SH1.

Bhagat, the top seed, displayed nerves of steel, rallying back from eight points down to defeat Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell 21-14, 21-17 in 45 minutes. Compatriot Manoj Sarkar claimed the bronze with a 22-20, 21-13 win over Japan’s Daisuke Fujihara.

“It was a dream come true moment.”

“I had always dreamt of hearing the national anthem at the Paralympic Games. And I am proud of myself that I could live the moment. I have been the world champion, Asian Para Games champion, and a Paralympic gold was missing. Now I have it, this is surely a special one,” said an elated Bhagat.

Bhagat, who was trailing 4-12 during the break of second game, came out with a repertoire of strokes to make an incredible comeback to level at 15-all before taking the lead. And rest was history.

Self-belief and Hard Work key to success

Self-belief and hard work have been the key to Bhagat’s success and the Para Shuttler from Odisha said: “It’s the belief that keeps us motivated to win. And I kept my calm and trusted myself and my strokes. The training done during the lockdown, where I focused more on my fitness, also helped in my way to the gold.”

Having played Bethell several times including the Japan Para Badminton International 2019, the Tokyo 2020 test event in January 2019, the Indian ace could plan his strategy well.

“I had played Bethell in Tokyo in January 2019 where I lost. That was a good learning opportunity as I was playing in the same stadium and the same environment, and I devised a strategy to win. I was very determined,” said the 33-year-old.

“I just focused on playing the shuttle on each and every point rather than on winning the whole game. Every point was precious.”

‘Pramod delivered what was expected’

The result wasn’t surprising for national chief coach Gaurav Khanna who had predicted five medals including three gold from the Indian Para Badminton team.

“Pramod delivered what was expected from him. I think the hard work done during the lockdown paid rich dividends. It has boosted the players’ confidence. And Pramod went with that confidence to clinch the match even after being down in the second game,” Khanna said.

Bhagat along with young Palak Kohli is also lined up to play their mixed doubles SL3-SU5 bronze medal match against Japan’s Fujihara and Akiko Sugino on Saturday.