Sukant Kadam: Rising to Paralympic Glory in Paris

Sukant Kadam’s journey from a small town in Maharashtra to becoming India’s rising star for para-badminton at the Paris Paralympics is nothing short of extraordinary, The Times of India reports. His story is one of determination, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of hard work.

A challenging start
Born in Kautholi, a small village in the Sangli district, Kadam faced challenges from an early age. Diagnosed with polio when he was just ten months old, he lost the ability to walk without assistance. Growing up in a rural setting, the lack of access to proper medical facilities and sports infrastructure could have easily deterred him from pursuing an athletic career. However, Kadam’s indomitable spirit and passion for sports pushed him to rise above these obstacles.

Kadam’s introduction to badminton came later in life. While pursuing his engineering degree in Pune, he was introduced to para-badminton by his coach, Shyamsundar Pawar. The initial stages were tough; balancing academics with the demands of rigorous training was no easy task. Yet, Kadam’s determination never wavered. He found solace and purpose on the badminton court, where he could channel his energy and focus on mastering the sport.

Breaking barriers and setting new standards
According to the Economic Times, Kadam’s journey in para-badminton is marked by numerous achievements that have made him a role model for aspiring athletes. His rise in the sport was swift—he quickly became one of India’s top para-badminton players, winning multiple national and international titles. Kadam’s crowning moment came in 2018 when he clinched the gold medal at the Uganda Para-Badminton International. This victory was a turning point, not only in his career but also in his mindset. He began to believe that he could compete with the best in the world and bring home gold at the Paralympics.

As Kadam’s career progressed, so did his mentality. In a recent interview, he spoke about the shift in the mindset of Indian para-athletes. The current generation of athletes, including Kadam, no longer sees themselves as just participants; they are contenders for gold. This shift is not only a reflection of their personal growth but also indicative of the changing landscape of para-sports in India, where athletes are now receiving more recognition and support.

Eyes set on Paris 2024
As Kadam prepares for the Paris Paralympics, he remains focused on his goal: winning the gold medal. His rigorous training regimen, which includes long hours on the court and intensive fitness sessions, is a testament to his commitment. Kadam knows that the competition will be fierce, but he is unfazed. He draws strength from his journey, remembering the challenges he has overcome and the victories he has already achieved.

“The name tag ‘Paralympics’ itself builds a lot of pressure and expectations, and that is what makes it so much special. In Tokyo, I was on the other side. So happy to be able to break the barrier this time. This is a tournament that comes in four years — it takes a lot of time to come but it goes in a jiffy,” Kadam told Revsportz. 

Beyond personal accolades, Kadam hopes his success will inspire others with disabilities to pursue their dreams, no matter how insurmountable the odds may seem. He is not just playing for himself; he is playing for millions of Indians who look up to him as a symbol of hope and resilience. 

“ I think mentality is what differentiates all the athletes. At the elite level, physically all are fit. It is the mentality that makes the difference. Talking about me, I take one day at a time and try to learn new things to improve myself. I give 60-70 per cent of my daily training towards mental strength. After playing the sport for several years, now at the elite level, mental fitness is what will make the difference — someone who is mentally fitter on the day will win it,” Kadam explained. 

Kadam’s story is a powerful reminder that with perseverance, determination, and the right support, anything is possible. As he stands on the brink of making history at the Paris Paralympics, Kadam’s journey continues to inspire and motivate others to push their boundaries and strive for greatness. His quest for gold is not just about winning a medal; it is about breaking barriers, changing perceptions, and proving that true strength lies in the ability to rise above challenges and pursue one’s dreams with unwavering resolve.