Ramesh Shanguman Strikes Double Gold as Tamil Nadu Dominates Khelo India Para Games 2025
Khelo India Para Games 2025: Major Upset in Badminton as Sanjeev Kumar Stuns Top Seed
BNH NETWORK
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Ramesh Shanguman wins two golds in wheelchair racing, leading Tamil Nadu’s charge.
- Tamil Nadu tops the medal tally with nine golds, followed by Haryana with seven.
- Major badminton upset as Sanjeev Kumar eliminates top-seeded Manjunatha Chikkaiah.
- Paralympic champions Nitesh Kumar and Krishna Nagar continue dominance.
New Delhi, March 21- Tamil Nadu’s Ramesh Shanguman emerged as the star of Day 2 at the Khelo India Para Games 2025, clinching two gold medals in the Men’s 800m T53/T54 and Men’s 100m T53/T54 events at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. His stellar performance contributed to Tamil Nadu’s impressive tally of nine gold medals, placing them at the top of the rankings. Haryana followed closely with seven golds, while Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh secured five each.
Shanguman’s journey from adversity to national glory inspires millions.
Born in Mannathampatty village, Tiruchirappalli, Shanguman’s journey to success has been nothing short of extraordinary. After a devastating accident at the age of eight, he turned to sports, initially excelling in para basketball before making the switch to wheelchair racing. Reflecting on his victory, an emotional Shanguman told Media, "I have faced countless struggles, but I always believed in proving myself. Winning gold this time, after a bronze in 2023, is a dream come true. My parents’ support has been my greatest strength."
Major Upset in Badminton as Sanjeev Kumar Stuns Top Seed
Meanwhile, the para badminton action at the Indira Gandhi Stadium saw its first major upset of the tournament as Sanjeev Kumar shocked top-seeded Manjunatha Chikkaiah in the quarter-finals with a commanding 21-13, 21-6 victory. Paris 2024 Paralympic champion Nitesh Kumar advanced to the finals in his category, while Tokyo gold medallist Krishna Nagar secured a semifinal berth. Rising stars Nithya Sre and Palak Kohli also progressed in their respective categories, keeping India’s hopes high for more podium finishes.
