Indian para-shuttler and IAS officer Suhas L. Yathiraj once again showcased his remarkable talent by clinching a silver medal in the Men’s Singles SL4 category at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. This achievement follows his silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, making Suhas the first Indian para-badminton player to win medals at two consecutive Paralympic Games.
In a fiercely contested final, Suhas faced France’s Lucas Mazur, but despite his valiant effort, Mazur emerged victorious. Nonetheless, Suhas’s performance further cements his legacy in Indian para-badminton, as he continues to dominate the sport with grace and determination.
The SL4 category is designated for athletes with impairments in one or both lower limbs and minimal difficulties with balance. Suhas, who is currently ranked World No. 1 (as of September 3, 2024) in his category, has shown exceptional consistency in maintaining his top position, both in national and international competitions.
Born on February 7, 1983, in Shivamogga, Karnataka, Suhas has defied the odds since birth, overcoming a congenital deformity in his left ankle. Despite his physical limitations, he excelled academically, earning a degree in Computer Engineering from NIT Surathkal before being selected as an IAS officer in the 2007 batch. Serving as the District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar, Suhas’s career in administration is as illustrious as his sporting achievements.
Suhas’s journey into para-badminton began later in life, but his rapid rise in the sport has been nothing short of extraordinary. He secured national titles and made his international mark with a gold medal at the 2016 Asian Para-Badminton Championships. In the following years, his accomplishments only grew, with a bronze at the 2018 Asian Para Games, a silver at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, and a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou.
Most recently, Suhas added another feather to his cap by clinching gold at the 2024 World Championships, followed by his silver win at the Paris Paralympics. His exceptional achievements have earned him the prestigious Arjuna Award, making him the only Indian IAS officer to receive both this honor and a Paralympic medal.
Following his latest achievement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Suhas, stating, “A spectacular accomplishment as Suhas Yathiraj wins the prestigious silver medal in the Men’s Singles SL4 Badminton event at the Paralympics 2024! India rejoices at his success. We are proud of his tenacity and commitment to sports.”
As Suhas Yathiraj continues to balance his dual roles as an IAS officer and a para-badminton champion, his inspiring journey serves as a testament to perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity.
