Tokyo Paralympics: Pramod Bhagat Wins Gold In Badminton Men's Singles SL3

India's Pramod Bhagat secured the country's fourth gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics on Saturday when he defeated Great Britain's Daniel Bethell in the badminton men's singles (SL3) final. Bhagat, the world number one player in his category, won the final in straight games 21-14, 21-17 to clinch the first medal for India in badminton at the Paralympics. The match lasted a total of 45 minutes, with Bhagat taking the first game in 21 minutes and the second in 24 minutes. Shooters Avani Lekhara and Manish Narwal and javelin thrower Sumit Antil had won India's three gold medals prior to Bhagat's victory on Saturday.

The final saw a brilliant battle between the Indian and Briton. Pramod Bhagat started off slowly in the opening game but hit his stride soon enough. The Indian was patient with his gameplay and showed incredible defensive skills to time and again deny Bethell the point.

Bethell tried drop shots, smashes but nothing seemed to put the Indian off his game. Having to go the extra mile every time to win points meant the British shuttler started making more enforced errors.

It was not just in defence, when Pramod attacked, he did so with great precision and targetted the body of his opponent. In the end, the World No.1 comfortably won the first game 21-14.

The second game, however, saw Bethell, the 2nd seed, come out all guns blazing. He streaked to a big lead and at one time led by eight points. 

Just when it seemed that the second game would be a foregone conclusion and the final would go to a decider, Pramod Bhagat made an absolutely stunning comeback to draw level and then take a 17-15 lead.

With the momentum on his side, Bhagat closed out the games without much drama to win gold in the event.

Elsewhere, on Court 3, another Indian, Manoj Sarkar beat Japan's Daisuke Fujihara 22-20, 21-13 in a contest lasting 47 minutes to win the bronze and make it a double podium finish for India in the SL3 event.