India’s Nithya Sre has etched her name in the history books of the World Para Badminton Championships. The 19-year-old para-badminton player secured a bronze medal in the women’s SH6 category on Monday, adding another feather to her already impressive cap. This victory not only marks a personal triumph for Nithya but also sets a new record for India, surpassing their previous best of four medals at the Tokyo Paralympics.
Nithya’s journey to the podium was a testament to her resilience and determination. She faced off against Rina Marlina of Indonesia in the bronze medal match, an opponent she had never managed to defeat in previous encounters. The match was a tense affair, with Nithya demonstrating her skill and strategy to secure a convincing 21-14, 21-6 victory in a mere 23 minutes. However, the road to the medal wasn’t without its challenges. A technical issue following the previous medal ceremony forced Nithya to wait for almost an hour before taking to the court.
Despite the delays and the pressure of facing a formidable opponent, Nithya remained focused and composed. Her mental strength was evident in her post-match comments, where she acknowledged the importance of maintaining focus and avoiding complacency. “I’m unable to express my emotions. This would be my best moment. I have played against her(Rina) over 9-10 times but have never defeated her. I was telling myself even when I was in the lead to maintain focus and to not take it easy due to my past experience. I prepared myself mentally to not celebrate early,” Nithya shared with reporters.
Nithya’s recent victories have cemented her position as a rising star in the world of para-badminton. She has already collected a remarkable array of accolades, including two bronze medals at the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China. In May 2022, she showcased her talent by claiming gold at the first Bahrain Para Badminton International Championships in Manama. Her impressive performance continued in December 2022 when she clinched gold in the women’s singles SH6 finals at the Peru Para Badminton International in Lima, defeating the World’s silver medallist.
Nithya Sre’s latest triumph at the World Para Badminton Championships is not only a source of pride for India but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes around the globe. Her dedication and unwavering determination have propelled her to the pinnacle of her sport, and she continues to set new benchmarks for excellence. As she gears up for the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Nithya is poised to make even greater strides on the international stage.
