Krishna Nagar, hailing from Jaipur, always had a dream to raise India’s flag high at the Paralympics—a dream shared by his father, Sunil Nagar, a former sportsman who had to abandon his athletic pursuits due to personal reasons. Krishna’s triumph at the Tokyo Paralympics, where he secured a gold medal, made him only the second Indian to achieve this feat in badminton, bringing immense pride to both his family and country.
Early Struggles and Introduction to Sports
Diagnosed with dwarfism at the age of two, Krishna faced numerous challenges from a young age. In a bid to help his son overcome his growth impairment, Sunil introduced Krishna to various sports, unknowingly setting the stage for his future success. Krishna engaged in cricket, football, volleyball, and even the long jump, believing that physical activity might help him grow taller. Participation in athletics significantly improved his strength and agility, giving him an outlet from the bullying he faced due to his height of 4 feet 7 inches.
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Overcoming Adversity Through Badminton
Despite his passion for sports, Krishna struggled with the relentless bullying that continued into college, forcing him to retreat from activities he once loved. Concerned for his son’s well-being, Sunil enrolled Krishna in a badminton academy in Jaipur, a decision that would change the course of Krishna’s life. The bullying that had once threatened to break Krishna now fueled his determination to prove his detractors wrong.
A turning point came when Krishna was introduced to para-badminton, where he discovered a category that allowed him to compete internationally. Encouraged by his coach, Krishna began training under Gaurav Khanna, the head coach of the Indian para-badminton team and a Dronacharya awardee.
International Success and the Road to Gold
Krishna’s journey on the international stage began with a bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Para Games, followed by another bronze at the 2019 World Para Badminton Championships. However, his crowning achievement came at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, where he won the gold medal in the men’s singles SH6 category.
Reflecting on how he managed to stay calm under pressure during such high-stakes competitions, Krishna told Sportstar, “In big tournaments, controlling your emotions is crucial. Staying calm and composed allows you to perform at your best.”
Personal Loss and the Path Ahead
While the nation celebrated Krishna’s victory, he faced a devastating personal loss when his mother passed away just six months after his Paralympic triumph. The grief plunged him into a dark period, but with the support of friends and the sport he loves, Krishna began to rebuild his life. Determined to honor his mother’s memory, he set his sights on defending his Paralympic title at the upcoming Paris Games.
As Krishna Nagar prepares for the next chapter of his journey, the nation watches with anticipation, hopeful for another golden performance in Paris.