Rohan Chowdhury in Paris
Tokyo Paralympics gold medalist in badminton (SH6 Singles), Krishna Nagar, is gearing up to defend his title at the upcoming Paris Paralympics. A native of Rajasthan, Nagar is one of India’s brightest prospects, having recently clinched a gold at the 2024 Pattaya World Championship. He also secured two medals at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games—silver in singles and bronze in doubles. Nagar will once again represent India in his preferred event, singles, at the Paris Games.
In this exclusive interview with RevSportz ahead of the Paris Paralympics, Nagar opens up about his preparations, the pressure of defending a gold medal, and his expectations for the upcoming event.
Q: How has been life after Hangzhou, and how are the final preparations going on for the Paralympics?
Nagar: Preparations are on track, and I’m in much better shape than I was in Hangzhou. I narrowly missed the gold medal there, but I’ve worked on my shortcomings. I’m looking forward to reaching Paris and getting acclimatised to the conditions. That will be the last piece of the puzzle. Overall, I’m feeling much more confident than I was at the Asian Games and World Championships.
Q: Winning a gold medal is one thing, but defending it is entirely different. How are you handling that pressure?
Nagar: I’m taking it one day at a time. Even during a match, I focus on one point at a time. That’s my philosophy. I avoid setting rigid targets, as they only add to the pressure. Taking things step by step is my mantra, and that’s how I plan to approach Paris.
Exclusive🚨
Tokyo Paralympics Gold medalist @Krishnanagar99 is here to defend the title!
How difficult is it to handle the pressure of expectations? How are the preparations? Listen in 👇@ShrachiSports @PCI_IN_Official @ParalympicIndia @Paralympics #PARIS2024 pic.twitter.com/JP4uL2icR1
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) August 25, 2024
Q: This will be your second Paralympics. You have also played in enough international tournaments. The wealth of experience must be helping you…
Nagar: Every tournament offers a learning experience. I’m grateful for the opportunity to play in my second Paralympics. As I mentioned, I’m feeling much more confident now and I am eager to get a feel for the courts in Paris and understand the conditions there. The experience I’ve gained from previous competitions will be invaluable in Paris, and I’m determined to give my best to achieve my goal.
Q: There’s been a lot of talk about winning 25-30 medals in Paris. Is it feasible?
Nagar: Absolutely! The Paralympic Committee of India has set a target of around 25 medals, but we’ll aim to surpass that with our contingent of 84 athletes. The badminton team is well-balanced, and while I don’t want to predict specific numbers, I’m confident we’ll do well. I’ll do my utmost to defend my gold.
Q: How significant is the absence of Pramod Bhagat for the team?
Nagar: It’s a huge loss. As you know, his absence means a missed opportunity for a sure gold medal. But Pramod Bhai’s contribution goes beyond the court. He’s like an elder brother to the team, offering invaluable advice and understanding each athlete’s needs. We will miss him greatly.
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