Who is Pramod Bhagat, India's star shuttler set to miss Paris 2024 Paralympic Games due to suspension?

India's celebrated Paralympic badminton player, Pramod Bhagat, has been handed an 18-month suspension from competition after being found guilty of anti-doping rule violations by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

A detailed investigation by the BWF led to a decision by the Court of Cassation for Sports (CAS) on 1 March 2024 showing that Bhagat had failed to meet the requirements of the venue three times in one year.

Pramod Bhagat, the 2020 Paralympics SL3 champion is serving 18 months of suspension due to whereabouts failure?

So now, Manoj Sarkar (? last time) & Nitesh Kumar (Asian Para Games ?) will represent India in SL3 .
Article from BWF ?@Badminton7799 @anshul_chavhan pic.twitter.com/iQjJLVPRal

¡ª H A R S H (@Blazie_Harsh) August 13, 2024

The CAS Appeals Division reviewed and subsequently dismissed Bhagat's appeal on July 29, 2024, enforcing the suspension that sidelines him from the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

The BWF stated, ¡°On 29 July 2024, the CAS Appeals Division dismissed the Bhagat¡¯s appeal and confirmed the CAS Anti-Doping Division decision of 1 March 2024. His period of ineligibility is now in effect.¡±

Pramod Bhagat's impact in sports

Pramod Bhagat's Para-Badminton journey has been characterized by his strength and stamina, qualities that have led him to many championship victories, including his defense of the SL3 Men's Singles title at the Para-Badminton World Championships 2024 in Pattaya, Thailand. Here he challenged England's Daniel Battle in an epic match, winning 14-21, 21-15, 21-15 in a grueling hour and 40 minutes.

Paralympics: Pramod Bhagat wins gold and Manoj Sarkar wins bronze in badminton men's singles (SL3)
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Bhagat's career-long gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, where he also defeated Battle, mirrored their close encounter at the World Championships. His achievements have not only won him many awards but have also contributed greatly to the growth of Para-Badminton.

Apart from his competitive success, Bhagat has been honoured with several prestigious awards for his contributions to Indian sports, including the Arjuna Award in 2019, the Khel Ratna Award in 2021 and the Padma Shri in 2022. Despite the suspension, his legacy in para-badminton remains influential.

Pramod Bhagat's life journey

Hailing from Hajipur in Bihar's Vaishali district, Bhagat¡¯s introduction to badminton came at the age of 13, sparking a passion that has defined his life. After contracting polio at five years old, which left him with a deformity in his left leg, Bhagat never let his physical challenges deter his ambitions.

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He entered his first tournament at the age of 15, competing in his usual division and earning the support and admiration of onlookers. This encouragement was a crucial factor in his decision to pursue badminton professionally, propelling him to international acclaim and setting an example for athletes facing similar challenges.

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