Indian para-badminton star Suhas Yathiraj has reached the summit of his sport, claiming the coveted world number one ranking in the SL-4 category. This momentous achievement comes on the heels of his silver medal triumph at the Tokyo Paralympics and his recent victory at the World Championship, where he defeated Indonesia’s Fredy Setiawan.
Yathiraj, a 40-year-old Arjuna awardee, has steadily climbed the ranks, accumulating 60,527 points, surpassing the long-standing world number one, French legend Lucas Mazur, who currently sits at 58953 points.
The Indian shuttler expressed his elation on ‘X’, stating, “Finally, World Number 1. Happy to share that, In the latest Badminton World Federation Para Badminton rankings announced today for Men’s Singles category, I have got world number 1 ranking, first time in life, replacing previously long standing world number 1 Lucas Mazur of France. Thanks a lot for your blessings and wishes.”
Suhas, an IAS officer in the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has proven that his dedication and hard work transcend boundaries. His success in the SL-4 category, which caters to players with movement limitations on one side of their body, both legs, or the absence of one limb, is an inspiration to athletes worldwide. They play on a full-width court, demonstrating impressive court movement and a wide range of shots.
Yathiraj’s achievement is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and his unwavering commitment to the sport. His rise to the top of the world rankings is a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that with dedication and perseverance, dreams can be realized.
