Pramod Bhagat has left no stone unturned in his preparation and is gunning for glory at the Tokyo Paralympics.
Follow Us
World number one Pramod Bhagat is one of the three Indian para shuttlers who officially qualified for the upcoming Tokyo Paralympics a couple of days back. The event is scheduled to be held from August 25 to September 5. Badminton will be making its debut appearance in the history of the Paralympics, with the development an extremely significant one. Bhagat is supremely excited about the opportunity to represent India in the upcoming edition of the premier tournament, terming it as a dream come true.
“This has been my dream since I have taken up badminton, to represent India in the Paralympics. There will be pressure on me to win gold in both Singles and Mixed Doubles where I am partnering with Palak Kohli. There has always been pressure on me to win and that has been my biggest motivator and has also pushed me to succeed and be at the top of my game,” said the ace shuttler in an interaction with Sportstar.
Bhagat further went on to reveal the opponent who had always pushed him and could provide worthy competition in the upcoming edition of Paralympics.
“Every game is going to be a challenge, and I have been practising very hard over the past few years, working not only on my game but also on my physique, stamina and strategy. If I have to name one player who has always pushed me, that would be England’s, Daniel Bethel,” he stated.
The 33-year-old admitted that he never imagined getting an opportunity to represent India. Bhagat elaborated by stating that the decision to start playing badminton, was motivated by the desire to prove those who discouraged him from playing sports wrong.
“To be honest, I never thought I would come so far representing India. I took up the sport so that I could prove people wrong. A lot of people said I could never play badminton or any other sport because of polio, but I never gave up. The biggest challenge for me was not the game but changing the way people look towards para-athletes. I want my journey to inspire other people to take up the sport and excel the way I have done.”
Bhagat is supremely motivated by the desire to win a gold medal in the upcoming Tokyo Paralympics. The 33-year-old added that he has been training extremely hard with the desire to emerge victorious and make the nation proud.
“I have been training really hard with only one thing in my mind — winning the gold at the Paralympics. It would be special at many levels for me if that happens. I have been playing really well, and the recently concluded Dubai tournament has boosted my morale even more. Want to set a precedent for others to follow. I want to inspire people that if you give your best and focus on what you want to achieve, anything is possible. Would also like to thank the Odisha Government and the Government of India for constantly supporting me through this journey,” he concluded.
