NAGOYA — For Suhas Yathiraj, the podium is a familiar place, yet the bronze medal hanging around his neck following the Asian Para Games in Nagoya carries a bittersweet weight. Despite an illustrious career that has seen him rise to the pinnacle of international para-badminton, the veteran shuttler remains a perfectionist, viewing the recent semifinal exit not merely as a setback, but as a hard-learned lesson in the fine margins of elite sports.
The men’s singles SL4 semifinal clash against Indonesia’s Fredy Setiawan ended in a 23-21, 8-21, 15-21 defeat. Having comfortably dispatched the same opponent in group play just days prior, the result was a sting for the Indian star.
“Definitely not satisfied with bronze,” Suhas told TimesofIndia.com from Japan. “I think if I had played up to my full potential, I would have definitely done better. The first set was very close—I had game points, but I couldn’t convert. After taking the second easily, I lost focus for two to three rallies after the 10-all mark in the decider. That was the game right there. It wasn’t my best day.”
For Suhas, this match served as a stark reminder that physical preparation, while vital, is only one half of the equation. “You might be training well, you might have the fitness and the skills, but if you don’t recreate that during the major games, it is of little use in terms of professional success,” he remarked.
Third Paralympics, one big dream: Gold at LA 2028
A decade ago, the idea of wearing the Indian jersey at an international badminton tournament was not even on the horizon for Suhas. Yet, his trajectory since his 2016 debut in Beijing—where he captured gold—has been nothing short of extraordinary. An Arjuna Award recipient, Suhas has steadily collected accolades, including bronze at the 2018 Asian Para Games, back-to-back silver medals at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympics, and gold at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games.
With the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics looming on the horizon, the burning question remains: can he climb one step higher to secure the elusive Paralympic gold?
Suhas prefers to maintain a disciplined, step-by-step approach. “If you had asked me 10 years ago, I didn’t even know that I would play for India. The journey has been quite satisfying,” he reflected. “I never imagined I would become an IAS officer, an Arjuna awardee, or a medalist for my country. I am grateful for what the Almighty has given me. If destiny has been kind, I hope it takes me to the place I deserve. I hope I can do the best that I can.”
IAS officer by day, shuttler by night
The secret to Suhas’s longevity in a sport as demanding as badminton is an almost superhuman level of discipline. Balancing the high-stakes world of an IAS officer—characterized by exhaustive files, field inspections, and high-level meetings—with the rigorous physical demands of professional sports is a challenge most would find insurmountable.
“It is challenging,” Suhas admits. “My training generally starts at night. While others are spending time with family or enjoying leisure time, my leisure time is on the badminton court. It’s hectic, but I love it.”
This commitment extends deep into his personal life, where dietary choices are governed by his professional goals. Suhas admits he cannot remember the last time he indulged in sweets. By eschewing fried foods and strictly managing his nutrition, he ensures his body remains an efficient machine. “If you choose what you love, the journey becomes painless,” he says. “You enjoy the journey, and that is exactly what I do.”
Influence of legends
To sharpen his game, Suhas has long looked to the titans of the able-bodied circuit. Growing up, he was captivated by the court coverage and movement of Malaysian legend Lee Chong Wei.
“I have always been inspired by top players in the able-bodied category,” Suhas said. “Watching Lee Chong Wei move around the court shaped my own understanding of the game.”
He also keeps a close eye on the current generation of Indian stars, such as Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy, and Kidambi Srikanth. “I know them personally, and I have always admired how they compete at the highest level,” he noted.
As he turns his gaze toward his next training cycle, Suhas Yathiraj remains a testament to the idea that greatness is not just about natural talent, but about the relentless, often unseen, grind. Whether in the corridors of power or on the badminton court, he continues to push boundaries, perpetually chasing the gold that he believes still awaits him.
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