Pramod Bhagat Creates History with Sixth World Title at BWF Para World Championships

Bhubaneswar: Ace Odisha para shuttler Pramod Bhagat scripted history by clinching his sixth world title in the men’s SL3 category at the BWF Para World Championships in Manama, Bahrain.

The 37-year-old defeated Indonesia’s Muhammad Al Imran 21-12, 21-18 in the final to secure his fourth consecutive singles gold medal at the prestigious tournament.

Bhagat, who contracted polio at the age of five, has long dominated the SL3 division, which is meant for standing players with significant lower limb impairments. With this victory, he surpassed China’s legendary shuttler Lin Dan, who had won five men’s singles world titles in able-bodied badminton, making Bhagat the most decorated singles champion in world championship history.

Adding to his remarkable feat, Bhagat also won the men’s doubles SL3-SL4 title alongside Sukant Kadam. The Indian pair defeated fellow Indians J. Dilli and N. Sivakumar 21-19, 21-16 in the final, completing a golden double at the championships.

Other Indian medal winners included N. Sivakumar, who finished runner-up in men’s singles SL4, M. Ramadass, who claimed silver in women’s singles SU5, and N. Sumathy Sivan, who secured silver in women’s singles SH6.

Bhagat’s latest triumph further strengthens his legacy as one of India’s greatest para badminton champions and marks another proud moment for the nation on the global stage.