Asian Para Games bronze leaves Suhas Yathiraj hungry for gold amid IAS and badminton duties

Suhas Yathiraj (Image credit: Instagram) NEW DELHI: Suhas Yathiraj was disappointed with his bronze medal at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya. After defeating Indonesia’s Fredy Setiawan in their group match just a few days earlier, the Indian shuttler was hoping to reach the final and challenge for the gold.Suhas lost in the men’s singles SL4 semi-finals 23-21, 8-21, 15-21. He had chances in the opening game but couldn’t convert them. After bouncing back to win the second game 21-8, he lost focus at a crucial stage in the decider.“I’m definitely not happy with the bronze. I think if I had played my best, I would have definitely done better. In fact, I beat Fredy from Indonesia a few days ago in the group match in Nagoya,” Suhas told TimesofIndia.com from Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.“In the semi-final match, the first set was very close. I lost 23-21 and I had game point, set point, but I couldn’t convert it. In the second set, I won very easily. In the third set, I think after 10-all, I kind of lost my concentration for two or three exchanges. He took the game there. So it wasn’t my best day, I always want to win the gold medal. a little sad from that angle,” he said.The defeat also reminded him how important it is to perform under pressure at major tournaments.“The most important factor is to win medals at the big games because you can train well, you can actually have the fitness and the skills. But if you don’t repeat it during the big games, then it probably won’t be very useful in terms of professional success,” Suhas said.

Third Paralympics, one big dream: Gold in LA 2028

Suhas, an IAS officer, said he never imagined representing India in international badminton a decade ago.In November 2016, he made his debut at the Asian Championships in Beijing and won gold. Since then, he has won several medals at major international events. These include bronze at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, silver at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, another silver at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, gold at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou and bronze in Nagoya.The 43-year-old has represented India in two Paralympic Games, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, winning silver both times.With the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics looming, the big question is whether he can go one step further and win gold.The desire is there, but Suhas isn’t looking too far ahead. He wants to do things one step at a time.“If you had asked me 10 years ago, I didn’t even know that I would be playing for India. But whenever I look at the medals and the love I get from the fans and athletes from all over the world, it has been quite a satisfying journey. I had the honor of donning the Indian jersey and winning medals for my country,” he said.

Suhas Yathiraj (Image Credit: Special Arrangement)

“I am thankful for what God has given me. I never imagined that one day I will become an IAS officer, an Arjuna awardee or a medal-winning badminton player for India. I never imagined all this. But I thank the Almighty for all this,” said Suhas, who is also an Arjuna awardee.“So if God and fate have been kind to me, I hope they will take me to the place I deserve. I hope I do the best I can, whatever I decide,” he added.

IAS officer by day, shuttle by night

For most people, the end of a hectic workday is a time to relax, spend time with family, play with children or watch a movie.It’s often time for Suhas to pick up his badminton racket and hit the court. His day includes morning workouts in the gym, office work, inspections, meetings, video conferences and file reviews. Despite his demanding duties as an IAS officer, he makes time for badminton and follows a strict fitness routine to compete at the highest level.Balancing both careers is not easy, but his love for the sport keeps him going.“If you choose what you love, the journey becomes painless. You enjoy the journey. That’s what I do,” Suhas said.Explaining how he manages his work and training, he said: “It’s demanding. My training usually starts at night and it always requires sacrifice. Others would probably spend time with their family members or have free time. My free time is playing badminton. You need an extremely high level of fitness in badminton. It’s demanding, hectic, but I love it at the same time.”

Suhas Yathiraj (Image credit: Instagram)

“I don’t remember eating sweets in the last many months. I can’t remember the last time I had a sweet. So I hardly eat sweets or fried foods and I’m also quite aware of what nutrition I’m taking in,” he said.

Influence of Lee Chong Wei

Suhas grew up watching Malaysian badminton great Lee Chong Wei and was inspired by his moves on the court.“Yes, I have always been inspired by so many top players in the able-bodied category. Growing up, I watched Lee Chong Wei’s matches and how he moved around the court,” he said.“Even in India, the top shuttlers are performing extremely well, be it Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy or Kidambi Srikanth. I know them personally and have always admired how well they are able to compete at the top,” Suhas signed off.