Who is Pramod Bhagat? All you need to know about the Indian para-badminton athlete ruled out of the Paris 2024 Paralympics

Pramod Bhagat is a para-badminton legend, known for winning a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics in the men’s singles SL3 category. However, the road to the Paris 2024 Paralympics took an unexpected turn for Bhagat.

In a shocking development, he faced a doping ban, which prevented him from participating in the much-anticipated event. He was found guilty of breaching the Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) anti-doping regulations.

Hailing from Odisha, Bhagat’s victory was a monumental achievement, not just for him but for the entire nation, as he became the first Indian to clinch gold in para-badminton at the Paralympics.

Bhagat’s journey in the sport has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the years, he has dominated the SL3 category, earning multiple world championship titles and establishing himself as a powerhouse on the international stage.

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A deeper look at Pramod Bhagat's career

Pramod Bhagat’s career is decorated with numerous prestigious achievements that highlight his dominance in para-badminton. His victory at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics stands out as a historic moment, where he won the gold medal in the men’s singles SL3 category, becoming the first Indian para-badminton player to reach such heights at the Paralympics.

Before his Paralympic glory, Bhagat had already made a name for himself on the global stage, securing the world championship title four times in the SL3 category.

Moreover, Bhagat's excellence was not confined to world championships alone. He also made his mark at the Asian Para Games, where he won multiple medals, further establishing his reputation as one of the top para-badminton players in Asia.

His consistent success at major international tournaments, including the BWF Para-Badminton World Championships and the IWAS World Games, saw him collecting gold medals and reinforcing his position at the top of the sport.

Pramod Bhagat’s outstanding achievements did not go unnoticed, as he was honored with the BWF Para-Badminton Player of the Year award, a recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the sport. In 2019, the Government of India conferred him with the prestigious Arjuna Award, celebrating his exceptional achievements and dedication to para-badminton.

Pramod Bhagat continued his impressive form by securing a gold medal in the men’s singles SL3 category at the 2023 Asian Para Games. His victory came after a thrilling match against fellow Indian Nitesh Kumar, where Bhagat emerged victorious with a scoreline of 22-20, 18-21, 21-19.

Bhagat also earned two bronze medals earlier in the competition, one in the Men’s Doubles SL3-SL4 and another in the Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5 categories, marking the 2023 edition as his most successful Asian Para Games to date.