Kozhikode's Nithin K T joins Indian team for Para Badminton Championship in Uganda

KOZHIKODE: Nithin K T, a native of Koyilandi, Kozhikode, is happy to be a member of the Indian team that will participate in the Para Badminton International Championship to be held in Uganda next month with hopes of a medal. Nithin is also the only Malayali in the 50-member team from India in various categories. Competing in the short category, Nithin recently bagged a bronze medal in the National Para Badminton Championship held in Jamshedpur. Nithin and his team are hoping to win a medal for India in the competition to be held from July 1 to 8.

To the field of sports

Nithin entered the sports field in 2018 when he participated in an athletic meet held in Haryana. He got selected to the meet held in Haryana after the state level competition from Kerala. Nithin's medal win in the Badminton tournament held in Jamshedpur also opened the way to the Sports Authority of India (SAI). Nithin has been undergoing SAI's training for the past one and a half months.

Off to Japan

After the Uganda tournament, Nithin hopes to be able to participate in the tournament in Japan and Indonesia if he gets the sponsorship. To get ranking in Badminton category one has to compete in open category. You can participate in competitions like Asian Games and Paralympic Games only after getting the ranking.

We need the support from Kerala

Nithin told Kerala Kaumudi Online that support from Kerala is very low compared to other states. "Recently our Para Association was recognized by the Sports Council. But we don't get any training required to participate in the national level tournament. States like Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan provide awards, training and financial assistance to medal winners. We haven't received any such help yet. There is a huge financial cost involved in international competitions.

Little People's Sports Club

Little People's Sports Club is behind bringing Nithin back to the field after 2018. Little People's is a club that has brought short people into the field of sports. Nithin said that the support of the club's coach KK Rashid is irreplaceable. A member of the club's football team, Nithin plays in tournaments held in various districts of Kerala. Nithin said that the confidence he got due to the support from the club made him enter the badminton scene again. Nithin added that his family, including his father Balan, mother Prema, sister Neethu and her husband and his closest friends provide huge support.

Awards

State Parabadminton Championship 2020-21

1. Singles: Silver Medal

2. Doubles: Gold Medal

State Parabadminton Championship 2023-24

1. Singles: Silver Medal

2. Doubles: Silver Medal

National Para Badminton Championship 2023-24

1. Mixed Doubles: Bronze Medal