In the brightly lit arena of Bahrain, with the world watching and pressure at its peak, India’s greatest para-badminton star once again delivered a performance that will be spoken about for generations. Pramod Bhagat, Odisha’s pride and a global icon of para sport, produced a masterclass at the BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2026, clinching not one but two gold medals and etching his name deeper into sporting immortality. At 36, when many athletes contemplate winding down, Pramod instead raised the bar higher, proving that excellence, when driven by discipline and belief, knows no finish line.

Sixth World Title and a Record Beyond Legends

In the Men’s Singles SL3 final, Pramod Bhagat faced Indonesia’s Muhammad Al Imran, a formidable opponent known for his agility and tactical sharpness. What unfolded, however, was a display of dominance. Pramod controlled the rallies, dictated the pace, and shut down resistance to win 21–12, 21–18. With that victory, he captured his sixth World Championship gold medal in singles—a staggering achievement in itself. More remarkably, it marked his fourth consecutive world title, underlining his sustained supremacy at the highest level of para badminton. This gold also carried historic weight. Pramod overtook badminton legend Lin Dan, who won five men’s singles World Championship titles, making the Indian para shuttler one of the most decorated players the sport has ever seen. His singles world titles now span 2009, 2015, 2019, 2022, 2024, and 2026—a timeline that mirrors not just longevity but relentless reinvention.

Double Gold Glory with Sukant Kadam

Pramod’s Bahrain brilliance did not end with singles glory. Teaming up with Sukant Kadam, he returned to the court for the Men’s Doubles SL3–SL4 final. Facing fellow Indians, Jagadesh Dilli and Naveen Sivakumar, the match was intense and emotionally charged. Yet Pramod and Sukant displayed composure under pressure, winning 21–19, 21–16 to claim gold. The victory highlighted not just individual brilliance, but chemistry and trust—elements that define great doubles partnerships. 

For Sukant Kadam, the championship became even more memorable as he added a bronze medal in men’s singles, underlining his consistency and growing stature in world para badminton. Sukant described the doubles gold as a proud moment, crediting the hard work behind the partnership and calling the success on the biggest stage deeply satisfying.

Depth of Indian Para Badminton on Display

India’s dominance in Bahrain was not limited to its gold medalists. Krishna Nagar strengthened the medal tally with a bronze in Men’s Singles SH6 and another bronze in Mixed Doubles alongside Nithya Sre. His performance reflected India’s strength across classifications. Krishna spoke of pride in representing India and the hunger to convert podium finishes into gold in the future—a sentiment that mirrors the ambition running through the squad. 

The championships also marked a historic breakthrough as Prem Kumar Ale and Alphia James secured India’s first-ever medal in the wheelchair category at the World Championships, winning silver. It was a landmark moment, signalling expanding horizons for para badminton in the country. Bronze medals from Kumar Nitesh in Men’s Singles SL3 and the doubles pairing of Umesh Kumar and Surya Kant Yadav in SL3–SL4 further demonstrated India’s depth.

A Golden Chapter in Indian Para Sport

With Pramod Bhagat’s historic double crown, Sukant Kadam’s multi-medal showing, and strong performances across categories, India reaffirmed its position as a global powerhouse in para badminton at the BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2026. As the tricolour rose repeatedly in Bahrain, it was not just victories being celebrated; it was the triumph of perseverance, preparation, and an ever-growing sporting ecosystem. And at the heart of it stood Pramod Bhagat, a champion who continues to turn history into habit.