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Suhas Yathiraj, the renowned Indian badminton player, etched his name in the history books once again at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024. Despite a valiant effort, Yathiraj fell short in the men's singles SL4 final, securing his second consecutive silver medal at the quadrennial spectacle. The 41-year-old athlete faced a formidable opponent in local favorite Lucas Mazur, who ultimately triumphed in straight sets, 9-21, 13-21.
Yathiraj's accomplishment goes beyond just a silver medal; it marks a significant milestone in Indian para-badminton history. He became the first ever para-shuttler from India to win multiple medals at the Paralympic Games, solidifying his position as a true icon of sportsmanship and resilience. The Tokyo Paralympics in 2021 witnessed Yathiraj's first silver medal, setting the stage for his continued success on the international stage.
A testament to Yathiraj's multifaceted talent, he is also an IAS officer from the 2007 batch of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. He has held the esteemed position of District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar, demonstrating his commitment to public service beyond his athletic achievements.
Yathiraj's journey to the final was marked by a series of impressive performances. He dominated Group A, securing victories against Hikmat Ramdani of Indonesia (21-7, 21-5) and South Korean Shin Kyung-hwan (26-24, 21-14). In a thrilling semi-final matchup, Yathiraj emerged victorious against his compatriot, Sukant Kadam, with a score of 21-17, 21-12.
Although the gold medal eluded him this time, Yathiraj's unwavering determination and exceptional skills have once again put India on the world map of para-badminton. His achievement serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief, even the most challenging goals can be achieved.