Paris: Suhas Yathiraj, an Indian para-badminton player and IAS officer, has made headlines once again by securing his second consecutive silver medal at the Paralympic Games. Competing in the SL4 category, Suhas faced a tough challenge from France’s Lucas Mazur in the finals, where he lost in straight sets 9-21, 13-21. This defeat marks the second time Suhas has lost to Lucas in the Paralympic finals, having faced a similar outcome at the Tokyo Games.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to celebrate Suhas’s achievement, stating, “A great achievement, Suhas Yathiraj won the prestigious silver medal in the Men’s Singles SL4 Badminton event at the Paralympics 2024! India is happy with his success. We are proud of his perseverance and commitment to the sport.”
IAS Suhas L. Yathiraj Defies Disability, Wins Second Consecutive Paralympic Medal in Badminton
A Remarkable Journey
Suhas Yathiraj’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. Born with a disorder in his left ankle, he has defied all odds, excelling in both academics and sports. A 2007 batch IAS officer, Suhas holds a degree in Computer Engineering and topped the IAS exams despite his disability. His dedication extends beyond sports; during the COVID-19 pandemic, he served as the District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar and is currently the Secretary and Director General of Youth Welfare and Provincial Guard Force in the Uttar Pradesh government.
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India’s Strong Performance in Para Badminton
Indian shuttlers have shown outstanding performances at the Paris Paralympic Games. Alongside Suhas’s silver, India bagged a total of five medals in badminton. Nitesh Kumar clinched the gold medal, while Tulsimati Murugesan secured silver. Additionally, Manisha Ramdas and Nithya Sri Sivan both won bronze medals, bringing India’s total medal tally in badminton to five. Overall, India now stands 15th in the Paralympic medal rankings with three golds, five silvers, and seven bronzes, showcasing the nation’s rising strength in para sports.
Suhas Yathiraj continues to inspire many with his dedication to both public service and sports, proving that passion and perseverance can overcome any obstacle.
