Thulasimathi Murugesan and Nitesh Kumar Reach Asian Para Games Badminton Final
India’s Thulasimathi Murugesan and Nitesh Kumar produced a composed comeback to reach the mixed doubles SL3-SU5 gold-medal match at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya. The Indian pair defeated China’s Li Mingpan and Xiao Zuxian in a tense three-game semifinal, winning 21-19, 14-21, 21-17 in 42 minutes at Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium on Thursday.
The result puts Thulasimathi and Nitesh one victory away from a badminton gold medal. They will face Indonesia’s Leani Ratri Oktila and Hikmat Ramdani in the final after the Indonesian duo ended the campaign of India’s Manisha Ramdass and Pramod Bhagat in the other semifinal.
India’s pair regain control in deciding game
The semifinal was closely contested from the opening rally. Thulasimathi and Nitesh edged the first game 21-19, but China responded strongly in the second, taking it 21-14 and forcing a decider. With a place in the final at stake, the Indians steadied their play and found their rhythm again to close out the match 21-17.
Nitesh said the pair’s familiarity with their opponents helped them prepare, but a spell of distraction led to avoidable errors. Their response at the start of the third game proved important: after switching sides, they had built a useful lead, giving them confidence during the decisive points.
“We have played most of the players a lot of times, so we knew what our strengths were and how we had to play against each opponent,” Nitesh said. He added that restoring their rhythm early in the final game helped them manage the pressure when the match reached its crucial phase.
Thulasimathi welcomed the win but was already looking ahead. “We are very happy. It’s just that we have to focus on our next game,” she said, keeping the emphasis on the final rather than the achievement of reaching it.
Indonesian challenge awaits in the final
The final will be a rematch of sorts within a tournament where the Indian and Indonesian squads have both shown strong depth. Leani and Hikmat advanced by defeating Manisha Ramdass and Pramod Bhagat 16-21, 21-13, 21-17. The Indian pair took the opening game, but Indonesia recovered to win the next two and secure a place in the gold-medal match.
Manisha and Pramod therefore finish with bronze, while Thulasimathi and Nitesh carry India’s hopes into the final. The contest is likely to test both pairs’ ability to adapt across the mixed-classification format, where athletes with different impairment classifications combine in the same team.
For the Indian finalists, the key will be to build on the discipline they showed in the deciding game against China. Limiting unforced errors, maintaining communication and using their respective strengths effectively could prove decisive against a confident Indonesian pair.
More badminton medals for India
India added another mixed doubles bronze through Krishna Nagar and Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan in the SH6 event. They were beaten 21-14, 21-18 by Indonesia’s Rina Marlina and Subhan in the semifinal. Although the Indian duo did not progress to the final, their podium finish contributed to the country’s medal tally in para badminton.
Krishna also secured silver in the men’s doubles, adding to his success across the competition. His performances underline the range of India’s challenge in Nagoya, with athletes competing for medals across several classifications and event formats.
Thulasimathi has another opportunity to compete for gold. She and Manasi Joshi are scheduled to face China’s Yang Qiuxia and Xiao Zuxian in the women’s doubles SL3-SU5 final on Friday. The match gives Thulasimathi a chance to pursue a second title after reaching the mixed doubles final.
Nitesh, meanwhile, remains in contention in men’s singles SL3. He is due to meet Indonesia’s Muh Al Imran in the semifinal, making the coming round an important one for the Indian shuttler’s individual medal prospects as well.
Understanding the SL3-SU5 classification
Para badminton uses sport-specific classifications designed to create fair competition between athletes with comparable levels of activity limitation. SL3 is for players with significant lower-limb impairments. Athletes in this class compete on a half court, reflecting the movement requirements of the classification.
SU5 is for players with upper-limb impairments. In mixed SL3-SU5 doubles, athletes from these two classes form a pair, bringing different movement patterns and playing strengths to the court. Success depends not only on individual skill but also on coordination, positioning and the ability to cover space as a team.
India’s results in Nagoya highlight the growing competitiveness of the country’s para badminton programme. With a mixed doubles gold medal now within reach, and further finals and semifinals ahead, the Indian team has several opportunities to add to its medal haul. For Thulasimathi and Nitesh, the immediate task is clear: carry the confidence of their comeback win into the final and finish the tournament with gold.
