India’s para badminton contingent enjoyed a stellar campaign at the Japan Para Badminton International 2026 in Tokyo, highlighted by Pramod Bhagat claiming a gold and a silver medal alongside Sukant Kadam reaching a milestone of 100 career medals.
Pramod Bhagat Secures Singles Gold in Tokyo
Pramod Bhagat delivered a commanding performance in the Men’s Singles SL3 final in Tokyo, defeating compatriot U Kumar 21-16, 21-08 to capture the top prize. Pramod dropped an early lead to Kumar before finding his footing and seizing control with authority across both sets.
Reflecting on the match, Pramod noted that the singles final presented a distinct tactical challenge. “The singles final was challenging, especially after U Kumar got the early lead, but I stayed patient and focused on my game,” Pramod said. “Once I found my rhythm, I was able to take control.”
Sukant Kadam Reaches Century Milestone
Sukant Kadam etched his name into the record books during the Tokyo tournament by completing 100 career medals across international para badminton competitions. The milestone marks 12 years of sustained effort for the Indian athlete.
The landmark century of medals arrived alongside a pair of silver finishes in Tokyo. Sukant partnered with Pramod Bhagat in the Men’s Doubles SL3-SU5 event, where the Indian pair fought hard before falling to Indonesia’s Hikmat Ramdani and Fredy Setiawan to claim silver. Sukant also reached the final of the Men’s Singles SL4 category, where he met France’s Lucas Mazur. Mazur raced ahead with a dominant 21-08 opening game, and although Sukant responded with a much sharper second set, he could not complete the turnaround, losing 21-16 to secure the silver medal.
“Reaching 100 career medals is a very special moment for me,” Sukant said, reflecting on his career trajectory. “When I started playing para badminton 12 years ago, I never imagined that I would reach this milestone. There have been many ups and downs, victories and defeats, but every match has taught me something.”
Broader Team Context and Future Schedule
Beyond the headline performances from Bhagat and Kadam, several other Indian shuttlers turned in strong showings across categories in Tokyo, maintaining the nation’s competitive momentum on the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Para circuit following a landmark Paralympic cycle.
Both athletes look ahead to upcoming international fixtures with clear ambitions. Pramod emphasized that every outing serves as a learning opportunity, while Sukant made it clear that reaching the century mark is not the end of his competitive journey. “At the same time, I don’t want to look at 100 as the finish line,” Sukant stated. “It motivates me to keep working harder and aim for many more achievements for India.”
The Indian team prepares to return to training ahead of the next scheduled stops on the international BWF Para circuit.
