Para Badminton World Championships: Odisha star Pramod Bhagat creates history with double gold

India’s para badminton icon and Odisha’s pride, Pramod Bhagat, once again scripted history with a sensational double gold medal performance at the BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2026 held in Bahrain. The highlight of his campaign was a record-breaking sixth World Championship gold medal in the Men’s Singles SL3 category, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in the sport.

In a commanding display in the singles final, Pramod defeated Indonesia’s Muhammad Al Imran in straight games, 21–12, 21–18, to clinch his sixth world title. The triumph marked his fourth consecutive World Championship crown, underlining his sustained dominance in the SL3 category over the past decade.

With six Men’s Singles gold medals — 2009, 2015, 2019, 2022, 2024 and 2026 — Pramod has now surpassed the legendary Lin Dan’s tally of five World Championship men’s singles titles, achieving a historic milestone in global badminton.

Also Read: World Para Badminton Championship: Odisha star Pramod Bhagat enters singles and double finals

Expressing his emotions after the victory, Pramod said winning his sixth gold and fourth consecutive title was an incredibly special moment. He described Lin Dan as his idol and called surpassing his record a dream achievement. He credited years of sacrifice, discipline and belief for his success, adding that representing India on the world stage continues to inspire him.

Bhagat’s golden run did not stop at singles glory. He also clinched the Men’s Doubles SL3–SL4 gold alongside Sukant Kadam, defeating compatriots Jagadesh Dilli and Naveen Sivakumar 21–19, 21–16 in a thrilling final.

With this historic double triumph, Pramod Bhagat has once again made the nation proud and reaffirmed his status as a global sporting legend.