The Indian stars at the ongoing Paralympics 2024 in Paris have been dazzling on the biggest stage with some notable performances across various sporting disciplines. India’s para badminton star Sivarajan Solaimalai just gave the audience one of the biggest moments in the event which has gone viral across social media.
Sivarajan was up against the Tokyo 2020 silver medalist from Hong Kong on Day 3 of the badminton event. Competing in the SL3 category, the duo was caught in a rally exchange where both shuttlers refused to back down.
In a video uploaded on X (formerly known as Twitter), Sivarajan can be seen responding with shots towards one extreme end. Despite the opponent firmly placing their shot on the other side, the Indian shuttler refused to give up and managed to put in a diving effort to save the rally, which garnered massive cheers from the crowd.
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However, Sivarajan was unable to get the win as the final scorecard read, 13-21, 21-18, 15-21 in favour of the Hong Kong shuttler, resulting in the group-stage defeat.
Sivarajan on the other hand, combined with Nithya Sivan Sumathy, defeated Thailand’s Natthapong Meechai and Chai Saeyang 21-7 21-17 in group B.
Nonetheless, the viewers will be pleased with the efforts on show as the Indian Paralympic contingent aims to bring in the best haul in their history of the quadrennial event.
READ MORE: Paris Paralympics 2024: Shuttler Mandeep Kaur Wins First Match in Group B, Enters SL3 Singles Quarterfinals
Fellow Indian shuttler Mandeep Kaur managed to enter the quarterfinals of the women’s singles SL 3 category in the Paris Paralympics after defeating Australia’s Vinot Celine Aurelie in the women’s singles SL 3 event.
Mandeep regrouped to win her last group B match 21-23, 21-10, 21-17 against her Australian rival. She had lost her opening match to Nigeria’s Bolaji Mariam.
So far India has collected 1 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze medals as part of the medal haul in the Paris 2024 Paralympics.