In the bright lights of Manama, Bahrain, two Indian athletes turned belief into history. Prem Kumar Ale and Alphia James have reached India’s first-ever wheelchair doubles final at the Para Badminton World Championships, defeating the world No.1 pair in commanding fashion. In the WH1-WH2 mixed doubles semifinal, the Indian duo stunned the top-seeded Chilean-Belgian pairing of Jaime Aranguiz and Man-Kei To with a confident 21-14, 21-15 victory. For Indian para-badminton, this final is more than a medal match. It is a breakthrough moment that has been 12 years in the making.

What Makes This Achievement Special?

The WH1 and WH2 categories are among the most physically demanding classifications in para badminton. Players in these categories compete using wheelchairs due to lower limb impairments. The sport demands exceptional upper body strength, lightning reflexes, sharp court awareness, and seamless coordination between partners. Mixed doubles in wheelchair badminton is particularly intense. Players must cover angles quickly, anticipate fast exchanges, and maintain precise communication throughout rallies. There is no room for hesitation. Every push of the wheel, every flick of the wrist matters. Prem and Alphia did not just survive in this category. They dominated it. They are yet to lose a single game in the tournament. That statistic alone shows the level of confidence and control they have displayed throughout their campaign.

Toppling the World No.1 Pair

The semifinal was a test of nerve and belief. Jaime Aranguiz and Man-Kei To came into the match as world No.1 and clear favourites. In their previous meeting, the Indian pair had fallen short. This time, the story was different. From the first rally, Prem and Alphia looked sharper and more composed. They attacked with intent, forced errors from their opponents, and maintained pressure throughout both games. The 21-14, 21-15 scoreline reflects their dominance. This victory not only sent them into the final but also levelled their head-to-head record against the top-ranked pair. To defeat the best in the world at the biggest stage speaks volumes about their growth and mental strength. It was revenge, redemption, and resurgence all in one match.

A 12-Year Wait Ends

India’s last wheelchair medal at the World Championships came 12 years ago, when Sanjeev Kumar won bronze in the now-scrapped men’s doubles WH2 category. Since then, the country has waited for another breakthrough in this section. That long drought has now ended. By reaching the final, Prem and Alphia have assured India of its first wheelchair medal at the World Championships in over a decade. Regardless of the colour of the medal, history has already been made. This moment symbolises the steady rise of para badminton in India. With better support systems, training facilities, and international exposure, Indian para-athletes are now challenging the world’s best and beating them.

The Road to the Final

Their journey to the summit clash has been nothing short of impressive. Prem and Alphia topped their group with two wins out of two, earning a bye in the Round of 16. That early dominance set the tone for the rest of the tournament. In the quarterfinal, they faced fellow Indians Abu Hubaida and Pallavi Kaluvehalli. It was a competitive encounter, but Prem and Alphia held their nerve to secure a straight-games victory, 21-14, 21-17. That win guaranteed India a medal. From there, they moved into the semifinal with confidence and composure — and delivered their best performance when it mattered most. While Shashank Kumar in the men’s singles WH1 and Alphia James in the women’s singles WH2 bowed out in the quarterfinals, the mixed doubles campaign kept India’s hopes alive in the wheelchair section. Alphia and Pallavi also reached the quarterfinals in the women’s doubles WH1-WH2 category before losing to a strong Chinese pair in straight games. Despite those exits, the mixed doubles run has stood tall.

A Turning Point for Indian Para Badminton

India has emerged as a global force in para badminton in recent years. Success at the Paralympics and other international tournaments has inspired a new generation. This historic final adds another milestone to that journey. It also highlights the importance of classification categories like WH1 and WH2, which ensure fair competition among athletes with similar levels of impairment. These structured categories have helped create competitive and inclusive platforms where talent truly shines. Prem and Alphia’s run shows that India is no longer just participating in wheelchair events; it is competing for titles. Whether they return with gold or silver, Prem Kumar Ale and Alphia James have already inspired millions. They have shown that strength is not defined by physical limitations but by courage, discipline, and belief. And in Bahrain, under the world championship spotlight, India’s wheelchair badminton story has found its new heroes.