India continued its dominance in para badminton with a stellar medal haul at the Spanish Para Badminton International 2026 in Vitoria, spearheaded by Pramod Bhagat and Sukant Kadam, who delivered gold-winning performances across categories.
Competing at the Level 2 tournament held from March 16–22, Bhagat emerged as one of the standout performers, clinching two gold medals and a silver. The Paralympic champion produced a gripping display in the Men’s Singles SL3 final, defeating compatriot Nitesh Kumar in a three-set battle.
Bhagat took the opening game 21-17 before Nitesh bounced back 21-10. However, Bhagat held his nerve in the decider to seal the match 21-18.
Bhagat added another gold in Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5 alongside Manisha Ramdass. The Indian pair staged a strong comeback after dropping the first set to overcome Brazil’s Rogerio Junior Xavier de Oliveira and Edwarda De Oliveira Dias 13-21, 21-12, 21-19.
He also secured a silver in Men’s Doubles SL3-SU5, partnering Kadam, with the duo finishing runners-up to Nitesh Kumar and Ruthick Ragupathi.
Reflecting on his performance, Bhagat said the tournament tested his patience and resilience, especially in the singles final, adding that the victories would boost his confidence going forward.
Meanwhile, Kadam impressed in the Men’s Singles SL4 final, where he defeated Korea’s Cho Nadan in straight sets 21-16, 21-17 to clinch gold. He said he felt in control throughout the match and was pleased with the execution of his game plan.
India’s success extended beyond the headline winners. Nitesh Kumar secured silver and Jagdish Dilli bagged bronze in Men’s Singles SL3, while Neeraj claimed bronze in Women’s Singles SL3. In Men’s Doubles SL3-SU5, Deep Ranjan Bisoyee and Kuldeep Mahkul earned bronze.
In Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5, the pairs of Shivam Yadav & Neeraj and Nitesh Kumar & Thulasimathi Murugesan both secured bronze medals.
Further podium finishes came in the SU5 category, where Ruthick Ragupathi won silver and Shivam Yadav claimed bronze in Men’s Singles. Manisha Ramdass clinched gold in Women’s Singles SU5, while Thulasimathi Murugesan added a silver.
Jatin Azad and Shivam Yadav secured bronze in Men’s Doubles SU5, and Manisha Patel won bronze in Women’s Singles SH6.
