Who is Nitesh Kumar? Virat Kohli fan with never give up attitude bags gold
“Never give up.”
The Paralympics bio page of Nitesh Kumar has these three words in the philosophy section, and it seemed like the Indian star was embodying it on September 2, Monday as he clinched the gold medal in the Men’s Singles SL3 event final. Going up against a formidable and familiar foe in Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell, the 29-year-old looked determined not to be overcome by the big occasion of the final in his debut campaign at the Paralympics 2024.
A fan of Indian cricket star, Nitesh, however, remained calm throughout the game, even when he had slipped up in the second game and was trailing 20-21 in the decider. However, Nitesh showed resilience, something that he has carried throughout his life, in the end to win the match and clinch the gold medal with a scoreline of 21-14, 18-21, 23-21. And once the match was done, Nitesh went on to show some of the aggression of his idol Kohli as he pumped the air in joy.
Nitesh’s admiration for Kohli also comes from how the Indian cricket star was able to make himself a fit athlete and the discipline he carries.
“I also admire Virat Kohli because the way he has converted himself into a fit athlete — like how he used to be before 2013 — and how he is now so fit and so disciplined,” said Nitesh to PTI.
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Nitesh Kumar: The beginning
Nitesh has exemplified extraordinary perseverance and dedication in both academics and sports. A graduate in Electrical Engineering from IIT-Mandi, Nitesh has balanced his academic achievements with an inspiring journey in sports.
Nitesh’s passion for sports began early in life, with a particular love for football. However, in 2009, his life took a drastic turn when he was involved in a severe accident in Vizag, leaving him bedridden for months and causing permanent damage to his leg. Despite this life-altering event, Nitesh’s passion for sports never wavered. It was during his time at IIT-Mandi that he discovered a deep interest in badminton, which would eventually become his focus.
Over the years, Nitesh diligently worked on improving his badminton skills, often competing with able-bodied peers whenever he had the chance. His entry into the world of parasports was serendipitous, sparked by a conference aimed at individuals with disabilities. This event opened up new opportunities for Nitesh, and in 2016, he made his national debut at the Para Nationals in Faridabad, representing the Haryana team. His first outing was a success, earning him a bronze medal.
The following year, 2017, was even more significant for Nitesh as he won a silver medal in singles and a bronze in doubles at a competition in Bengaluru, firmly establishing himself in the para-badminton circuit. His breakthrough at the national level came in 2020 when he defeated Tokyo Paralympic medalists Pramod and Manoj to claim the gold medal at the Nationals.
Nitesh’s success extends beyond national borders as well. He has earned numerous medals in international tournaments, showcasing his exceptional talent on the global stage. Now, as he prepares for his Paralympic debut, Nitesh stands as a testament to resilience, determination, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence.
