After spending 18 months in hibernation due to a suspension imposed by Badminton World Federation (BWF), Odisha para badminton star Pramod Bhagat made a magnificent comeback by winning one gold and one silver medal in the China Para Badminton International, a BWF Grade-2 Level-2 Tournament, which was held in Beijing, China from 16 to 21 September 2025.

The 37-year-old Bhagat won the gold medal in mens SL3 singles event, defeating Muh Ali Imran (Indonesia) in the final 15-21, 21-19, 21-16. A former World and Paralympic champion, Bhagat won the silver medal in mens doubles SL3-SL4 category with Indian partner Sukant Kadam as his partner. They lost to Indian opponents Jagdish Dilli and Naveen Sivakumar in the final 18-21, 22-20, 18-21.

“This gold medal is very special for me, coming back after 18 months and proving myself again is a priceless feeling. I want to thank my coaches, supporters and everyone who believed in me during the tough phase. This is just the beginning of my comeback story,” said Bhagat, who was handed an 18-month suspension for breaching the BWF anti-doping whereabouts clause last year.

Para Sports Association of Odisha (PSAO) president Kamala Kanta Rath, secretary Sunil Pradhan and Shiba Prasad Das, the coach of Bhagat, congratulated Bhagat on his dream comeback, saying it as a huge inspiration to all para athletes.

The suspension against Bhagat was announced by BWF on 13 August 2024 and remained in effect till 1 September 2025. Bhagat, who is an Arjuna and Padma Shri awardee, was suspended after he was found guilty of breaching anti-doping regulations with three whereabouts failures within 12 months.
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PHOTO: Odisha para badminton star Pramod Bhagat smiles with his gold and silver medals at the China Para Badminton International in Beijing on 21 September 2025.