Toledo (Spain), March 29 – India delivered an impressive performance at the 2026 Spanish Para Badminton International – Level 1 in Toledo, with Pramod Bhagat emerging as the standout performer. The Paralympic champion secured one gold and two silver medals, leading India's strong showing on the international stage.
Pramod Bhagat's campaign was highlighted by a gold medal finish in the Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5 category, where he partnered with Manisha Ramdass. The Indian duo displayed excellent chemistry and resilience as they defeated their compatriots, Nitesh Kumar and Thulasimathi Murugesan, in straight games. They comfortably won the first set 21-15, before narrowly winning the second set 24-22 to secure the title in a 30-minute encounter.
In the Men's Singles SL3 final, Pramod Bhagat put up a determined fight, but ultimately settled for silver after losing to fellow Indian, Nitesh Kumar, with a scoreline of 10-21, 17-21.
He also secured a second silver in the Men's Doubles SL3-SU5 event alongside Sukant Kadam. The pair fought valiantly against the Indian combination of Naveen Sivakumar and Surya Kant Yadav. After losing the opening set 16-21, Bhagat and Kadam bounced back to win the second 21-12, but ultimately fell short in the deciding set 15-21, securing silver.
Pramod Bhagat said, "I'm really happy to come away with a gold and two silvers from Toledo. Every match was a tough challenge, especially competing against my fellow Indian teammates. Mixed doubles was particularly special – Manisha and I showed great understanding and composure in crucial moments. This performance gives me a lot of confidence, and I'm motivated to keep improving and perform even better in the upcoming tournaments."
India's overall campaign in Toledo was marked by multiple podium finishes across categories. Nitesh Kumar secured gold in Men's Singles SL3, while Manasi Joshi and Thulasimathi Murugesan clinched gold in Women's Doubles SL3-SU5. Thulasimathi Murugesan also secured gold in Women's Singles SU5, with Manisha Ramdass finishing with silver in the same category. Several other Indian shuttlers contributed to the medal tally with podium finishes, underlining the depth and strength of India's para badminton contingent.