Shuttler Pramod Bhagat looking to maintain rhythm

Pramod Bhagat after winning three gold medals in Spain on Sunday

WORLD No.1 shuttler Pramod Bhagat, who won three gold medals in the recently-concluded Spanish Para badminton International II - also his first victory since winning the Paralympic gold last September - is glad to find his rhythm back.

On Sunday, the Padma Shri Awardee won gold in all three categories he participated in. In singles, he defeated Indian counterpart Kumar Nitesh 17-21, 21-17, 21-17 in a hard-fought match. In men's doubles, the World No.1 pair of Bhagat and Manoj Sarkar beat Sukant Kadam and Kumar Nitesh 21-19, 11-21, 21-11. In the mixed doubles category, Pramod and Palak Kohli emerged victorious against the Indian pair of Ruthick Ragupathi and Manasi Girishchandra Joshi 14-21, 21-11, 21-14.

It was not an easy outing for Bhagat, who went on to lose the first sets in the singles and mixed doubles events, before emerging victorious in the finals. "I was not at my best before the tournament. Even in the final I took time to understand my opponent's stroke play, but I am glad I could make a comeback to achieve my goal," Bhagat said.

Bhagat had a tough time at the Uganda Para Badminton tourney last November, when he had to settle for three silver medals, while going down to Nitesh Kumar in the final of the Para-Badminton National Championship in December. "After losing the National Championship final, I decided to train in Spain [in January] to regenerate my form. That really worked. Hopefully, I will be able to continue with the same rhythm in the upcoming events," he said.

Bhagat, the 2018 Asian Para Games gold medal winner, is confident of more glory later this year too. However, he believes with recognition comes added responsibilities. "Yes, there will definitely be too much pressure on me this time around. But, I am confident that with proper training and motivation, I will be able to cope up with it," he concluded.