India delivered a commanding and confidence-boosting performance at the SPIRO SPATHIS Egypt Para Badminton International 2026, emerging as the most successful nation at the BWF Grade 2 World Circuit event. Held at the New Capital Indoor Hall in Cairo from January 13 to 18, the tournament marked the first international para-badminton competition of the year and served as a crucial preparatory event ahead of the BWF Para Badminton World Championships next month. With a total of 37 medals—9 gold, 10 silver, and 18 bronze—India not only topped the medal table but also sent a strong message to the global para-badminton community: the country’s depth and competitive edge continue to grow stronger.

Thulasimathi Murugesan: The Face of India’s Golden Run

At the heart of India’s remarkable campaign stood Thulasimathi Murugesan, who delivered one of the finest individual performances of the tournament. The Tamil Nadu shuttler clinched three gold medals, underlining her versatility, stamina, and mental toughness across formats. She dominated the SU5 women’s singles category, combined with Manasi Joshi to win gold in the SL3–SU5 women’s doubles, and partnered with Nitesh Kumar to top the podium in mixed doubles. Her triple-gold feat was not just a personal milestone but also a symbol of the growing strength of Indian women in para-sports. 

Pramod Bhagat and Sukant Kadam: Experience Meets Grit

Defending SL3 men’s singles world champion Pramod Bhagat once again proved why he remains one of India’s most dependable para-badminton stars. In the SL3 singles final, Bhagat showcased patience and tactical intelligence to overcome compatriot Umesh Vikram Kumar in a thrilling three-set contest. After narrowly losing the first game 19–21, Bhagat raised his intensity to claim the next two games 21–15 and 21–13, sealing victory in a match that lasted over an hour. It was a performance that reflected years of experience and the ability to respond under pressure. 

Sukant Kadam was equally impressive in the SL4 men’s singles final, where he defeated Surya Kant Yadav in straight games. Both games were fiercely contested, with Kadam edging out 27–25 and 21–18, underlining his composure in crunch moments. The duo then joined forces in the SL3–SL4 men’s doubles event, where they were awarded the gold medal following a walkover in the final. For Bhagat and Kadam, it completed a memorable double-gold outing. 

Understanding the Classifications Behind the Battles

The victories in Cairo also highlighted the technical and physical demands of para-badminton classifications. SL3 players compete standing but have impairments in one or both lower limbs, often struggling with balance and movement. SL4 players have lesser impairments, with relatively better walking and running balance. The close contests in both categories showcased not only skill but also extraordinary determination, with Indian players repeatedly pushing their limits in long rallies and high-pressure points.

Depth of Talent Across Categories

India’s medal success was not limited to a few star names. Alphia James claimed gold in the WH2 women’s singles, while the men’s doubles SU5 title went to Jatin Azad and Shivam Yadav. Premchand Potnuru partnered with Romania’s Alin Cristian Baican to win the SH6 men’s doubles crown, reflecting India’s growing presence even in mixed-nationality pairings. Silver medals poured in across categories, with players like Umesh Vikram Kumar, Suryakant Yadav, Jatin Azad, Manisha Patel, Manasi Joshi, and others reaching finals and podium finishes. The spread of medals across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles underlined India’s depth rather than reliance on individual brilliance alone.

India’s Rising Global Standing in Para-Sports

India’s emergence as the top-performing nation in Egypt reinforces its rising stature in global para-sports. While Iraq also celebrated rare gold medals in men’s wheelchair categories, it was India’s consistency across events that set it apart. As the para-badminton circuit moves toward the World Championships, India leaves Cairo not just with medals but with momentum, belief, and a growing reputation as a powerhouse in the sport. The message from Cairo was clear: Indian para-badminton is no longer chasing success, it is setting standards.