Krishna Nagar stands roughly around 4 feet 4 inches. His diminutive figure however hasn’t stopped him for achieving big things in sports. Krishna is somewhat a “giant” in Indian para-badminton. The Jaipur-based athlete has won 13 golds, 11 silvers and two bronze at the international stage since 2017 when he first started playing professional badminton. Of those 13 golds are a gold medal at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics and a gold medal at the 2024 World Championships in Pattaya, Thailand.
He is World No. 2 in para-badminton men’s Singles SH6. SH6 is for badminton players with short stature.These are athletes who have a short stature due to a genetic condition often referred to as “dwarfism”.
The 26-year-old could not defend his gold medal which he won at the Tokyo Paralympics at last year’s Paris Paralympic Games. He has put the disappointment of Paris behind him and is on a high this year. In May he secured a bronze medal at the 6th Fazza Dubai Para Badminton International 2025. Now he is preparing for the Asia Para Badminton Championships slated to happen from June 17 to June 22 in Korat, Thailand.
Ahead of the tournament, Krishna sat down for an interview with The Sportz Planet where he talked about his career, his emotions on winning the gold medal at the Paralympics, things that can be done to improve para sports in India and much more.
Excerpts of the interview are below:
Q: Krishna, going from the start, can you please tell me how did you first get introduced to Parabadminton?
Krishna: In 2017, I was introduced to para-badminton by my senior, Nitesh Kumar. He told me about para-badminton. At that time, I was training at the SMS stadium in Jaipur, as my hometown is now Jaipur. It was my beginning days, and I met Nitesh Kumar there—he is also a Paralympian gold medalist. In 2018, I participated in para-badminton and the world championship trials, and also in the nationals held in Varanasi. That’s where my career started.
Q: He introduced you to parabadminton and told you about it, but what made you think that you have to pursue a career in it and become a professional parabadminton player?
Krishna: When I won a medal in 2018, I got a bigger chance to participate. After winning my first nationals, I got a chance to participate in Thailand, which was an open tournament for me. Then, I got a major chance to participate in the Asian Para Games in 2018. From there, my journey started, and I’ve continued my training since then.
Q: Growing up, did you follow sports a lot—not just badminton? Were there any athletes who inspired you or made you want to have a career like them?
Krishna: Yes, I think when I was in school, I have been in sports since then. I used to play cricket and participate in multiple sports. During my college days, I used to play badminton, and I liked the sport because of its agility, power, and endurance. In 2017, I started training professionally with a coach. After that, I was introduced to Parabadminton. From 2021 in Tokyo Paralympics, my life has totally changed.
Q: When you started your career as a para athlete, what kind of challenges did you face in the early phase?
Krishna: During school and college, a lot of people told me that I couldn’t do anything in life. I was told many times that I can’t do anything. I used to get very angry but kept quiet. I think 2017 and 2018 were turning points. When I joined the stadium and started playing professionally, everything changed. After 2021, life changed even more. There used to be a lot of bullying in school.
Q: You’ve said in other interviews that you faced a lot of bullying in school because of your height. What did you feel at that time?
Krishna: No problem, it was just a matter of time. Sometimes it happens, but it’s okay. It’s a part of life. It keeps going.
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Q: How did your life change after winning the gold medal in 2021 Paralympics?
Krishna: My life changed a lot. People know me as an inspiration. They follow me. I got Para Badminton Aid for the first time. When I got selected, I felt very encouraged, like I had to push myself as much as possible. At the time of 2024, I was in very good condition, but when the days are bad, no matter what you do, things don’t happen. All those things were happening then.
Q: When you won the gold medal, what were your emotions when you heard the national anthem and saw the tricolour going up?
Krishna: That was the first gold medal of my life’s big tournament. If you’ve noticed, in able-bodied and para badminton, there had never been a gold medal in badminton in India. From our side, no one was there who could prove this. At that time, nobody was going to speak on our side. If we had been recognized back then, badminton and Parabadminton would have had more popularity today.
Q: In 2021, you won the gold at the Paralympics. But last year was also big—you won gold at the World Championship. What were your feelings then?
Krishna: hat was my first time winning gold at the World Championship. It felt very good. But after that, I had Paris in mind. I was more focused on that, but I couldn’t do it. I was under a lot of pressure and couldn’t handle some things. It’s a loss, but I’m still trying to cover all that. I won’t be able to cover Paris now. I’ll have to wait four years. But I’m preparing myself slowly.
Q: I’d like to go beyond the Paralympics. Last year, just before the Games, Devendra Jhajharia told me that India would win more than 20 medals and finish in the top 10. He was right. What has been the reason behind the rise of Parasports in India over the last two Olympic cycles?
Krishna: The reason is basically providing the best resources and giving Parasports as many opportunities as able-bodied athletes. Competitions are getting harder in Parasports. The state governments are supporting us, and especially our PM. If our PM is supporting us, it’s a very good thing. The way SAI is supporting us through top schemes and Khelo India Para Games—it’s all very supportive. Players are trying to give their best. In 2021, we had 19 medals; now we have 29. I think we’ll try for even more in 2028.
Q: In May, you won a bronze medal and dedicated it to the Indian Armed Forces. Why did you do that?
Krishna: The way our Indian Armed Forces were fighting—it was a very good compliment for us. They do everything for us day and night. The situation near Bikaner was very tough. They saved us. Dedicating a medal to them is a very small thing. I can try. I think we’re doing our best.
Q: You’re going to China for the Asian Para Badminton Championships. What are your expectations from yourself?
Krishna: Right now, I just want to play my best. After the last tournament, I was very unwell. My focus now is to play safe and build confidence. The more confidence I build, the better I can focus. I think confidence is more important for me right now. We’re traveling the day after tomorrow. I’m in better condition now, playing well.
Q: So now you’re feeling physically better, fit, and ready for the championships?
Krishna: Yes. I am playing well, everything is fine. I hope the Asian Championships go well.
Q: Finally, could you tell us in three points how India can take Parasports to the next level—say, 35–40 medals at the LA Paralympics?
Krishna: The main thing is mentality. The mentality in our country is a little down. People tend to look down on others. If someone has a disorder or issue, people see it as weakness. There needs to be more support and understanding. Second, equal opportunities—Parathletes should get the same as able-bodied athletes. Third, organize more tournaments—like the World Championship in India. This builds awareness.
Q: Any advice to young athletes?
Krishna: Basic learning is very important. Most players don’t clear their basics but want good results. If you don’t have a basic foundation, you won’t last long. Also, put your heart and soul into your sport. Don’t expect results in 1–2 years—it’s not possible. If you beat top competitors in two years, you’re a miracle. But that’s rare. Most take time to progress. Focus and patience are key.
Prakhar Sachdeo
The Sportz Planet Desk
