Indian para-shuttler Suhas Yathiraj continued his remarkable streak at the Paralympics by winning a silver medal in the Men’s Singles SL4 category at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. SL4 category is designated for athletes with impairment in one or both lower limbs and minimal impairment in walking or running balance.
In a fiercely contested final against France’s Lucas Mazur, Suhas secured his second consecutive silver medal following his success at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020. With this achievement, Suhas becomes the only Indian shuttler to win a medal at both the Tokyo and Paris Paralympics, further cementing his legacy in para-badminton.
Balancing Public Service and Para-Badminton Glory
Suhas L. Yathiraj, currently ranked World No. 1 (as of September 3, 2024) in the Men’s Singles SL4 category, is a silver medallist from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. An IAS officer of the 2007 batch from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, Suhas has also served as the District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar. His exceptional achievements in para-badminton have earned him the prestigious Arjuna Award.
Born on February 07, 1983, in Shivamogga, Karnataka, Suhas Yathiraj faced the challenges of a congenital deformity in his left ankle. Despite his physical limitations, he pursued his academic aspirations with unwavering determination. He completed his early education in Dudda, near Hassan district, and later attended DVS Independent College in Shivamogga for his secondary schooling. Excelling academically, Suhas earned a degree in Computer Engineering from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Surathkal. His academic excellence was paralleled by his selection into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
Suhas’s journey into para-badminton began later in life compared to many athletes, yet his rise in the sport has been nothing short of meteoric. Dominating the national scene, he secured numerous national titles, establishing himself as one of India’s top para-badminton players. Balancing his professional career with his passion for badminton, Suhas has served as an IAS officer with unflinching dedication. His ascent in para-badminton is marked by perseverance and intense training, making him the only Indian IAS officer to have received both an Arjuna Award and a Paralympic medal. His success continued as he topped the podium at the Asian Para Games 2022 in Hangzhou.
Highlights of a Medal-Rich Journey
Suhas L. Yathiraj has achieved remarkable success in para-badminton, consistently showcasing his exceptional talent and determination. His career highlights began with a significant win at the 2016 Asian Para-Badminton Championships, where he secured the gold medal in Men’s Singles. He continued to make strides in the sport with a bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Para Games. Suhas’s performance reached new heights at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, where he earned a silver medal in Men’s Singles. His success continued with a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Para Games, further establishing his dominance in the sport.
Most recently, Suhas clinched the gold medal in Men’s Singles at the 2024 World Championships, and now he has added a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, capping off an impressive string of achievements and solidifying his place among the top para-badminton players globally.
Key Government Initiatives
The Government of India has played a crucial role in Suhas L. Yathiraj’s success through various forms of support. He has benefited from foreign exposure by participating in training and competitions in countries such as Thailand, UAE, Scotland, England, Bahrain, Brazil, Spain, Japan, and China.
Additionally, he undertook a 50-day training camp at Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University, Lucknow, which was instrumental in his preparation. Financial assistance has been provided to cover training and competition expenses, as well as for the procurement of badminton equipment. Suhas has also received an out-of-pocket allowance under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), ensuring he has the necessary resources to excel in his sport.
PM Congratulates Yathiraj on Paris Paralympics Silver
In recognition of his achievements, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Suhas Yathiraj for clinching a silver medal in the Men’s Singles SL4 Badminton event at the ongoing Paris Paralympics. The Prime Minister remarked, “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.”
