Paralympics Silver Medallist Suhas Yathiraj Opens Up About Managing Pressure in Matches

Suhas Yathiraj is one of India's best performers in the 2024 Paralympics. The para-shuttler earned a silver medal in badminton at the 2023 Para Games in Paris, attracting international attention. He is not only a silver medallist, but he also passed one of the country's most rigorous tests, the IAS, on his first attempt. The World Number One Para Shuttler recently disclosed many things about his journey and how he likes to deal with adverseties.

Also Read: Meet Dharambir: The Inspirational Trailblazer Who Elevated India's Spirit with Paralympic Gold

Silver Medallist Suhas Yathiraj Reveals How He Handles Pressure During His Badminton Matches 

In an exclusive interview, Paralympic Silver medallist Suhas Yathiraj discussed pressure management in badminton. He said he first didn't want to play badminton professionally but discovered success in the Asian Championships, therefore starting his path. In spite of the pressure at the Paris Paralympics, he stayed focused, addressing the expectations and pushing for regular results while realising that life and sports are erratic. Suhas Yathiraj said: 

“Yes, there is always pressure. Tokyo was different in the sense that, when I went to Tokyo, nobody expected a medal out of me, including myself. But, once you get a medal in, Paralympics, then when you go in as world number one in the next, edition of Paralympics in Paris, this time, obviously, there is some expectation. I did not want to allow the pressure to get to myself, so I just went in with the same mentality like I did in Tokyo. So yes, I would have ideally liked to win gold, but then that is. how life and sport is. Some days you win, some days you lose.”

After losing to France's Lucas Mazur, Indian para-shuttler Suhas Yathiraj claimed the silver medal in the men's singles SL4 category final at the Paris Paralympics. Against Mazur, Yathiraj had a difficult battle that ultimately lost in consecutive games with a score of 9-21, 13-21. Suhas Yathiraj ends his campaign at the Paris 2024 Paralympics with a great performance in the last match but falls short of the sought-after gold marking his second straight Paralympic silver medal. His journey is a testament to pride and hard work, as the star athlete made the nation proud with his racquet on the world stage.