Pramod Bhagat Wins Sixth Title at Para World Championships

Pramod Bhagat, a well-known Indian para badminton player, has achieved a remarkable milestone. On February 14, 2026, he won the men's SL3 gold medal at the Para World Championships held in Manama, Bahrain. Bhagat played very well and defeated Indonesia's Muhammad Al Imran with scores of 21-12 and 21-18. This was a significant win because it marked his sixth gold medal in the SL3 category at the World Championships. Bhagat's latest victory also means he has won the tournament four times in a row for singles. His total number of singles gold medals stands at six, which is a record in para badminton. This win made Bhagat the most decorated singles champion in the history of the World Championships. He has now surpassed Lin Dan, a famous ability in able-bodied badminton, who had five world titles. Bhagat’s success shows his dedication and skill in para badminton. In addition to his singles win, Bhagat also competed in doubles. He partnered with Sukant Kadam to win the men's doubles SL3–SL4 gold medal. They beat fellow Indians Jagadesh Dilli and Naveen Sivakumar, with scores of 21-19 and 21-16. This made Bhagat a champion in both singles and doubles at the same World Championships. Bhagat has a long history of winning medals at the World Championships. Before this event, he won gold medals in 2009, 2015, 2019, 2022, and 2024. His consistent success over many years shows how talented and dedicated he is. However, Bhagat faced some challenges recently. In August 2024, he received an 18-month suspension. The reason for this suspension was due to violations of the anti-doping rules set by the Badminton World Federation. This suspension meant that Bhagat could not participate in the 2024 Paris Paralympics, missing a big opportunity to compete on the world stage. Bhagat’s journey is also inspiring because of his background. He contracted polio when he was five years old, which affected his ability to walk normally. Despite this, he became one of the best para badminton players in the world. His achievements show how he has overcome difficulties to reach the top. His recent victory emphasizes not only his personal success but also highlights the skill and competitiveness of para badminton players on the global stage. Bhagat’s record-breaking wins continue to bring attention to the sport and the athletes who compete in it. In summary, Pramod Bhagat’s sixth gold medal at the World Championships is a major achievement. It has established him as a leading figure in para badminton, setting new records and inspiring many. His story is one of excellence, perseverance, and dedication in sport, despite challenges he has faced throughout his life.