The gold and silver medallist at the Para Asian Games speaks about his admiration for Kohli’s commitment, meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the special feeling of winning gold.
For Nitesh Kumar, Virat Kohli is more than just a cricketing icon. The Indian para-badminton star, who won a gold and a silver medal at the Para Asian Games, says Kohli’s commitment and dedication inspire him to give his best for the country.
Nitesh, a big admirer of the former India captain, says he looks up to Kohli for the way he approaches his sport and the commitment he brings to representing India. “His commitment is next level. It’s not about how good he is or what he’s achieved. His fitness, his preference, dedication to his sport is something I aim to inculcate. From Tokyo Paralympics I’ve tried to channelise my energy through his words. I hope to meet him someday.”
Speaking about the Indian para contingent’s performance, Nitesh expressed pride in the team’s achievements and reflected on how life has changed since he took up para sports.
“Para sports has given me confidence to live my life the way I want. It’s not been easy but it is now a way of life. I am very proud that because of me we got to hear the national anthem in Aichi-Nagoya.”
He also spoke about his excitement at meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying it is always an amazing experience. “I have now met the PM a few times but it’s always exciting to be in that zone, share our success and medals with him. It’s an honour every single time I get to be in his presence.”
The entire medal winning para athletes contingent is slated to meet PM Narendra Modi on 5th November in New Delhi.