India’s Paralympic contingent continued its strong performance at the Paris Games on Day 4, with two athletes ensuring medals for the country. In men’s singles SL4 badminton, debutant Sukant Kadam dominated his group, defeating Thailand’s Teamarrom Siripong 21-12 21-12 to secure a semifinal spot. This impressive victory sets up an exciting clash with fellow Indian and Tokyo silver medalist, Suhas Yathiraj.
Kadam, who had previously won bronze at the Asian Para Games last year, exhibited impressive skill and composure throughout the match. His success in the SL4 class, designed for athletes with lower limb impairments and minor balance issues, highlights his dedication and resilience.
Meanwhile, shooter Rubina Francis secured India’s fifth medal of the Games with a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol SH1 event. The 25-year-old from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, displayed remarkable focus and accuracy to finish third in the final with a score of 211.1. Francis, who competes in the SH1 class for athletes who can hold their gun without difficulty and shoot from a standing or sitting position, overcame a challenging qualification round to secure her place in the final.
These achievements add to India’s growing medal haul at the Paris Paralympics. Earlier in the week, Avani Lekhara successfully defended her women’s 10m air rifle title, Mona Agarwal won bronze in the same event, and Manish Narwal secured silver in the men’s 10m air pistol (SH1). The performances of these athletes are a testament to the dedication and talent of India’s Paralympic athletes, inspiring the nation with their unwavering spirit and impressive skills.
