Odisha shuttlers Subhrajeet Maharana, Pujyam Mishra, Bibhasindhu Barik and Nurul Hossain Khan won a total of four medals in the Uganda Para Badminton International 2025, which was held at Lugogo Arena in Kampala, Uganda, from July 1 to July 6. The four medals consisted of one silver and three bronze.

The lone silver medal was bagged by Subhrajeet Maharana in mens singles SL4. He showcased stellar form, defeating Julius Obura of Uganda in the semifinals 21-10, 21-7 before settling for silver by giving a walk-over in the final against Renzo Diquez Bances Morales of Peru.

Maharana also secured the bronze medal in mens doubles SL3-SL4, partnering fellow Odia shuttler Pujyam Mishra. The duo reached the semifinals before going down to the Peruvian pair of Renzo Bances Morales and Gerson Jair Vargas Lostaunaul 16-21, 19-21. This was the maiden international medal for Pujyam.

Bibhasindhu Barik won the bronze medal by reaching semifinals in mens doubles SL3-SL4 category with Chandra Prakash of Uttar Pradesh as his partner. They cruised past Ugandan combination of David Mukisa and Julius Obura 21-7, 21-13 at the group stage to enter quarterfinals, where they got a bye and then gave walk-over to Indian opponents BJ Adinarayana and Karthick Krishnan in the semifinals.

Nurul Hossain Khan claimed the bronze medal in mens singles WH2 category. He displayed commendable grit before losing his semifinal match against fellow Indian Haris Mythili Srikumar 21-12, 21-8.

The four Odisha players expressed their gratitude to the State Sports & Youth Services Department, their respective parent departments, and the Para Sports Association of Odisha (PSAO) for providing them all support and encouragement.

It may be noted that Uganda Para Badminton International is a Grade 2 – Level 3 tournament, the lowest in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Para Badminton World Circuit tournament structure. It is an open international tournament, generally participated by lower ranking players.
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PHOTO: Odisha medallists (L-R) Bibhasindhu Barik, Pujyam Mishra, Subhrajeet Maharana and Nurul Hossain Khan pose at the Uganda Para Badminton International in Kampala on 6 July 2025.