Pramod Bhagat scripts stunning comeback after 18-month suspension

Para badminton star Pramod Bhagat has staged one of the most inspiring turnarounds in Indian sport, bouncing back from an 18-month anti-doping suspension to dominate the international circuit within weeks of his return.

Bhagat, who missed the chance to defend his Paralympic gold at the Paris Games due to the ban, refused to let the setback define him. For the 36-year-old, who has spent a lifetime overcoming adversity after contracting polio from a faulty vaccine as a child, the suspension was just another challenge to conquer.

Cleared to compete again in September, the Tokyo Paralympic champion launched into a relentless comeback run, capturing 10 gold medals across singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles events in tournaments held in China, Nigeria, Australia and Japan. His renewed focus, sharp form, and unwavering determination have not only restored his position among the world’s elite but also underscored his status as one of India’s greatest para athletes.

Bhagat’s resurgence has ignited fresh hope ahead of the next Paralympic cycle, as he sets his sights on reclaiming global supremacy and writing a new chapter in his remarkable sporting journey.