Life has constantly thrown challenges at Krishna Nagar but this Indian para badminton player knows how to handle them well and adapt to adversities with a smile on his face. Krishna was teased in childhood for his short stature but he responded to it with his achievements.
Krishna did not let his short stature hinder his progress. He knew that this was the best way to deal with those who had ill will towards him. Despite financial struggles in his early years, he showed interest in various sports including cricket, football, volleyball, long jump and sprint. His journey in badminton started in late 2017 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. He created history by becoming the second Indian to win a gold medal after Pramod Bhagat at the Tokyo Paralympics.
The medal made his global Games debut a memorable one. The 25-year-old is focused on maintaining composure and not taking too many risks as he looks set to defend his title at the Paris Paralympics. “This is my second Paralympics and there is some nervousness as it is a big tournament,” Krishna, who competes in the ‘SH6’ category, told PTI in an interview.
The ‘SH6’ category is for short stature players who compete standing. He said, “It is a dream to participate in such a prestigious event. I feel grateful to get another chance in the Paralympics. My main aim is to live up to the expectations by winning the gold medal.” Krishna, who is four feet six inches tall, is among the 13 players from India who are competing in the Paris Paralympics.
After the success in Tokyo, Krishna had to face a very challenging time. Injury hindered his game and then he was deeply shocked by the death of his mother. However, this mentally strong player left these troubles behind and made a strong comeback in the game. Krishna said, “After the Tokyo Paralympics, I twisted my ankle and faced some other problems, but now everything is fine. My game is constantly improving and I am focusing on adapting my style to different situations and opponents. Whether the pace of the game is fast or slow, I have to be positive and hit the smash safely.”
Krishna, who trains under coach Yadavendra Singh in Jaipur, won his first title in February this year by defeating China’s Lin Neli in the final of the Para World Championship in Thailand. He said, “It is important for me to stay positive, play safe and stay calm. This time there are new players and the competition is tough. We need to be more agile and play with a positive attitude.”
Krishna will be the only Indian para badminton player to defend his gold medal in Paris after five-time world champion Pramod Bhagat was suspended earlier this month for violating whereabouts rules. Asked if Bhagat’s absence will add pressure on him, Krishna said, “Not at all. It is the blessings and support of the people, the government, the PCI (Paralympic Committee of India) and the BAI (Badminton Association of India) that have brought us here. I know Pramod bhaiya will not be there this time, but I will give my best.”
He said, “If I think too much about this, it will affect my performance. For me, nothing is bigger than this stage. This is my goal.” Krishna said that after the success in Tokyo, many positive changes have come in his life. The Indian Para Badminton team will leave for Paris on August 25.
