Odisha’s Pramod Bhagat Oozes Confidence, Eyes Double Gold At Tokyo Paralympics

Bhubaneswar: Pamod Bhagat is confident of winning two gold medals at the Tokyo Paralympics.

The 33-year-old para shuttler from Odisha is the reigning Asian and world champion, and has qualified for the Paralympics in men’s singles SL3 and mixed doubles SL3-SU5 with Palak Kohli. While SL3 refers to minor standing or lower limb impairment, SU5 is for players with an impairment of upper limb.

“I have been waiting for this day ever since I started my professional journey, and it is also the only medal which is missing from accomplishments,” Bhagat told PTI.

“Currently I’m in my best shape with the strongest mindset on the planet. My coach and trainer worked a lot on me. I had a few drawbacks which I’m slowly working on,” said Bhagat.

The Bargarh-born Bhagat, who lives in Bhubaneswar, doesn’t want to disappoint his fellow-countrymen.

“I don’t want to disappoint the 1.4 billion people who are behind me… my aim is to get India’s first gold in Paralympic badminton. I will be aiming for 2 golds, in singles and mixed doubles,” said Bhagat, who has already won five medals at the World Championships.

Bhagat, who was affected by polio at a young age, said he’s using his world No. 1 status as motivation.

“Being No. 1 adds a lot of pressure to deliver at the world stage… I’m using that as motivation to perform. We are hoping to win at least 3-4 medals for India,” remarked Bhagat.

“The last few years have been really good for me as I feel I am at my prime and playing very well. I am working towards maintaining that and practising very hard and also evolving,” he added.

Para badminton, which is making its debut as a sport in the Paralympics, gets underway on September 1. The Indian badminton contingent will leave for Tokyo on Friday.