Odisha para badminton athletes Akash Ranjan Mund and Bibhasindhu Barik brought immense pride for the State and the country, bagging a total of six medals in the World Abilitysport Youth Games (U-21), which was held in Mersin, Turkiye, from 18 to 21 June 2026. The six medals featured three gold, two silver and one bronze.

Akash, who hails from Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi district, emerged as one of the standout performers of the tournament, winning two gold and one silver medals. He captured the two gold medals in mens singles SL3 and mixed doubles SL3-SU5 events. His silver medal came in mens doubles SL3-SU5 category.

Bibhasindhu Barik, who belongs to Dhenkanal district, secured one gold, silver and bronze medal each in mens doubles SL3-SU5, mens singles SL3 and mixed doubles SL3-SU5 categories respectively.

Both the para shuttlers were supported by the Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha. The Para Sports Association of Odisha (PSAO) president Kamala Kanta Rath and secretary Sunil Pradhan congratulated both medal winners for their outstanding success on the international stage.

MEDAL DETAILS:

Gold (Mixed doubles SL3-SU5): Akash Ranjan Mund & Koshika Devda (India) beat Aryan Sharma & Shivangi Pande (India) in the final 14-21, 21-16, 21-13.

Gold (Mens singles SL3): Akash Ranjan Mund (India) emerged champions, winning all of his three matches in round-robin league.

Gold (Mens doubles SL3-SU5): Bibhasindhu Barik & Aryan Sharma (India) emerged champions, winning all of their four matches in round-robin league.

Silver (Mens singles SL3): Bibhasindhu Barik (India) finished runner-up, winning two of his three matches in round-robin league.

Silver (Mens doubles SL3-SU5): Akash Ranjan Mund & Gopesh Jhalani (India) finished runners-up, winning three of their four matches in round-robin league.

Bronze (Mixed doubles SL3-SU5, Semifinal): Bibhasindhu Barik & Nazli Akpinar (India-Turkiye) lost to Akash Ranjan Mund & Koshika Devda (India) 6-21, 24-26, 7-21.
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PHOTO: Odisha para badminton internationals Akash Ranjan Mund (Left) and Bibhasindhu Barik pose with their medals at the World Abilitysport Youth Games in Mersin, Turkiye on 22 June 2026.