Odisha ace Pramod Bhagat scripted history, winning the first Paralympic badminton gold medal for India with a 21-14, 21-17 convincing victory over Daniel Bethell of Great Britain in the mens SL3 singles final at the 16th Summer Paralympic Games in Tokyo today.
This was the first ever medal for Odisha in Paralympic Games and followed the Tokyo Olympics bronze medal, secured by Odisha duo of Indian men hockey team, Amit Rohidas and Birendra Lakra.
Reigning World and Asian champion Bhagat, who hails from Atabira of Bargarh district, was down 4-11 in the second game after taking the first one comfortably in 21 minutes. But he fought back with superb attacking game to clinch the historic victory in the 45-minute-long final match.