NEW DELHI : President of the Badminton Association of India (BAI) and Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that BAI will honour the five Paris Paralympics 2024 medallists for their outstanding efforts that scripted history, with a combined reward of Rs 50 lakh.

India won five medals in badminton–one gold, two silver, and two bronze – their most in any version of the Paralympic Games, and secured podiums in the women’s events for the first time at the recently concluded event in Paris.

Nitesh Kumar clinched the coveted gold in the Men’s Singles SL3 category, while Suhas Yathiraj (Men’s singles SL4) added to his silver haul from Tokyo with a repeat triumph in Paris, the BAI release said.

Thulasimathi Murugesan, Manisha Ramadass, and Nithya Sre Sivan made history by becoming the first Indian women shuttlers to secure medals at the Paralympics. Thulasimathi bagged the silver in the Women’s Singles SU5 and Manisha the bronze. Meanwhile, Nithya scored a bronze in the SH6 category.

The gold medal winner, Nitesh, will receive a purse of Rs 15 lakh, silver medallists, Suhas and Thulasimathi, Rs 10 lakh each and bronze medallists, Manisha and Nithya, Rs 7.5 lakh apiece.

Commenting on the historic campaign of India’s para badminton players, BAI secretary general Sanjay Mishra said, “Indian Para badminton players have been performing consistently on the world stage and the cash rewards are just one way for BAI to recognise their efforts in helping the country win medals at the Paralympics.”

“BAI is committed to developing and promoting para-badminton across the country and helping these players achieve much more success and many more initiatives to develop para-badminton are being undertaken,” he added.

Considering the tight tournament schedule of the players, BAI will also organise a virtual interaction session with these players to congratulate them and to understand their requirements for continued development. (ANI)