India para-shuttlers start Paralympics on high, eight secure wins on day 1

Indian para-shuttlers, including Tokyo silver medallist Suhas Yathiraj, made a strong start at the Paris Paralympics, with eight singles players securing victories in their respective opening group matches here on Thursday.

In the SL4 category, all three Indians -- Suhas, Sukant Kadam and Tarun -- won their opening matches. Nitesh Kumar (SL3), Palak Kohli (SL4), Thulasimathi Murugesan (SU5), Manisha Ramadass (SU5), and Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan (SH6) also cleared the first hurdle later in the day.

Athletes with lower limb impairments and minor balance issues in walking or running compete in the SL4 class, while SL3 is for those with more severe lower limb disabilities, requiring play on a half-width court.

SU5 includes athletes with upper limb impairments, and SH6 is for players of short stature.

The highlight of the day was a gritty performance by Sukant Kadam. The 31-year-old from Maharashtra, who suffered a knee injury after a fall in a cricket field at the age of 10, recovered f