Odisha's Akash Ranjan Mund scripts history with triple medal at World Abilitysport Youth Games
Bhubaneswar, June 27
Odisha's rising para-badminton sensation, Akash Ranjan Mund, has scripted history on the global stage at the recently concluded World Abilitysport Youth Games 2026 in Mersin, Turkey.
The 21-year-old prodigy from Kalahandi district put on a masterclass performance, capturing three individual medals--two Gold and one Silver--to cement his status as one of India's brightest para-sports prospects.
Competing in the highly competitive SL3 category (designated for athletes with lower limb impairments), Mund absolutely dominated the international field. He clinched his first Gold medal in the Men's Singles (SL3) event after a gruelling campaign, followed by a second Gold in the Mixed Doubles (SL3-SU5) category. He narrowly missed out on a clean sweep, settling for a hard-fought Silver medal in the Men's Doubles (SL3-SU5) event.
The champion returned home on Friday to a hero's welcome at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Family, fans, and sports officials gathered in large numbers, showering the young athlete with flowers and traditional sweets to celebrate his monumental feat. Additional Secretary of Sports, Bijaya Swain, felicitated Akash and invited him as a special guest for the third day of the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships.
"Winning for the country is the greatest feeling," Mund told reporters at the Kalinga Stadium. "This is just the beginning. My focus is now on training harder and bringing more glory to Odisha and India on the road to the future Paralympics in Los Angeles."
Sports analysts and state authorities have hailed Akash's historic run as a massive boost for para-sports infrastructure and encouragement in Odisha, proving that grit and determination can conquer any barrier.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Double gold and a silver—what a phenomenal achievement at just 21! Akash's journey reminds us that disability is not inability. But honestly, we need more investment in para-sports at the grassroots. These kids deserve better infrastructure, especially in tribal areas. Jai Hind! 🙏
This is what happens when you combine raw talent with sheer hard work. Kalinga Stadium giving him a hero's welcome—proper respect for a champion. Now we need to ensure he gets world-class coaching and nutrition. The LA Paralympics are calling, and I believe Akash can bring us multiple medals! 💪
Fantastic performance! As someone who follows international para-badminton, the SL3 category is incredibly competitive. For a 21-year-old from a relatively small district in Odisha to win two golds is remarkable. I hope this inspires other young Indian athletes with disabilities to take up sports professionally.
So proud of Akash Ranjan Mund! But let's be honest—the government should do more. Special guest at an athletics championship is nice, but what about long-term sponsorships, a dedicated physio, and international exposure trips? Our para-athletes are achieving despite the system, not because of it. Just saying. 🤷♀️
Ekdum zabardast! 🏸 His confidence in saying "this is just the beginning" shows a champion's mindset. The Kalahandi district must be celebrating like a festival. I hope youngsters watching him realize that sports can be a real career path. Wishing him all the best for Los Angeles Paralympics—go win gold for India!
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