Nagoya, October 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s Tokyo 2020 Paralympics gold medallist Krishna Nagar has called for greater recognition and corporate sponsorship for para-badminton, saying increased visibility and investment could create more opportunities for athletes and help the sport reach new heights.
Nagar, who won silver in the men’s doubles SH6 event with Sivarajan Solaimalai and bronze in mixed doubles SH6 with Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, acknowledged the support provided by the government and sporting authorities. However, he stressed that para-sports needed stronger commercial backing to match their achievements on the international stage.
The 2024 world champion also reflected on tactical mistakes that cost him crucial points, the transition to a 15-point game format and his determination to return to the top of the podium at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics.
Nagar believes the future growth of Indian para-badminton depends not only on athletes’ performances but also on greater public engagement and investment from corporate sponsors.
Acknowledging the assistance provided by the central government, the Sports Authority of India and existing sports programmes, he said schemes such as the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and other support initiatives had helped athletes pursue their goals.
“The central government supports us a lot. The Prime Minister always supports us. All the able-bodied players support us, too. They are coming up with good schemes for us, such as TOPS and Podium. The central government is always backing us to achieve more and is doing a lot for the players. So, we have the full support of the central government,” Nagar told IANS in an exclusive interaction.
However, he said para-sports needed recognition and attention comparable to cricket to expand their reach and attract more financial support. He noted that para-sports had grown significantly since 2021 and 2024 but believed there was considerable room for further development.
“Everything is very positive for both para and able-bodied sports, from the central government to the sports authority and the funders. There is a positive response from everyone. Literally. But we have this one thing: if para sports start getting the same amount of recognition and attention as cricket, the scope for para sports will be very high,” he said.
Nagar added that the competition would become increasingly challenging by 2028 and that sponsorships from major Indian companies could make a significant difference to athletes across para-sports.
He also highlighted the achievements of Indian para-badminton players while calling for greater commercial recognition.
“For example, I am in the para-athletes’ category. Whatever training I do, I do it with an able-bodied player. I train and compete with them, so it is better for me. I want all the endorsers to be in para sports, because para sports are getting good results. If you look at both badminton and para badminton, Pramod bhaiya (Bhagat) and I are the only people to win gold at the Olympic level. But there is no recognition for para badminton yet,” he said.
Nagar said he hoped to reproduce his earlier success at the 2028 Paralympics, adding that athletes needed consistent support to continue delivering strong results.
The shuttler, who won gold at the Tokyo Paralympics and became world champion in 2024, said maintaining fitness would be a major priority as preparations for the next Paralympic cycle gathered pace. The qualification period for Los Angeles 2028 is scheduled to begin in 2027.
“I am a Tokyo Paralympics gold medallist, a 2024 world champion and an Asian Games silver medallist. But it all depends on how much I have to train to maintain my fitness. I have to try as much as I can to keep my fitness at its best,” he said.
Reflecting on his Asian Para Games campaign, Nagar admitted that coordination issues affected his men’s doubles final against China. He and Sivarajan had attempted to tire out their opponents through longer rallies but struggled to execute the strategy consistently.
“As you can see, in doubles, there were some patches where we couldn’t coordinate well with each other, and the Chinese took advantage of this. We were trying to tire them out in the rally and play long rallies, but they didn’t let it continue,” he said.
He added that the pair would need more time training together to improve their understanding and consistency ahead of the 2028 World Championships and the Los Angeles qualification cycle.
Nagar also discussed the shift to 15-point games, saying the shorter format would require players to begin aggressively rather than spend the opening points assessing their opponents.
“Now, we have to focus on the first points of the game. We will have to play as quickly as we can, because it is a 15-point game. There is no room for mercy,” he said, noting that competition in the SH6 category remained highly unpredictable.
He said the changing distribution of major titles demonstrated the depth of competition, with different players emerging as champions at international tournaments. Nagar acknowledged that he would need to work harder and adapt his game to remain among the leading contenders.
The Indian shuttler also identified his performance in the closing stages of matches as an area requiring improvement. Recalling his singles match against China, he said he had held an 11-16 lead in the deciding game before errors at crucial moments allowed the opponent to recover. He later led 19-17 but was unable to close out the contest.
“My main event is singles, and I’m good at it. I train for it, but I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t compete in singles. I was fully fit. Everyone was good. My endurance, agility, game and power were all good. But towards the end, I had a few technical issues,” Nagar said.
He believes the shorter game format could suit his aggressive, power-based style but stressed that he must avoid repeating the mistakes that cost him matches at the Asian Para Games.
His mixed doubles campaign with Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan also provided lessons. The Indian pair lost their semifinal against Indonesia’s Rina Marlina and Subhan after failing to convert several opportunities to finish rallies, allowing their opponents to gain momentum.
Nagar said improving technical execution and maintaining a positive approach under pressure would be essential to his future progress.
“The technical improvement is simply this: the more positively you play the game and the more positively you keep the subtlety within your court, the better. You must play your best and give your all for every point,” he said.
With the Los Angeles 2028 qualification cycle approaching, Nagar is focused on returning to the top of the podium while also advocating greater recognition and commercial support for Indian para-badminton. He believes stronger sponsorship and continued improvements on court are both essential to the sport’s long-term growth.
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