‘This medal shows one can overcome any difficult situation’
Reigning world champion Pramod Bhagat shuttled his way into history by becoming India’s first-ever para-badminton gold medalist in Paralympics on Saturday (badminton made its debut at the Games this year). He clinched gold in men’s singles badminton (SL3) event. “There is nothing sweeter than a Paralympic medal. I hope this medal inspires more youngsters to take up the sport. I would like India to be the para-badminton hub in the world,” says Bhagat.
His achievement became more special when Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him. “It’s a moment of pride for every Indian when the country’s biggest leader congratulates you. It’s something that I will remember all my life,” says the 33-year-old, who hails from Attabira in Odisha. Bhagat hopes that his win inspires people to fight all challenges. “This gold medal has proved that irrespective of any difficult situation, you will overcome it with hard work,” says the champion. Bhagat is proud of all the para-athletes, who are making a mark at the Tokyo games. “The result speaks for itself. I am proud that I could win a medal,” he says.
Bhagat has overcome several challenges that polio brought in his life. Ask him if he sees a biopic being made on his life, and he says, “I’d be the wrong person to comment on that. But, I have had an interesting journey that can be captured well. On a lighter note, I’d like to see Dhanush or Nawazuddin Siddiqui essay my character.”