Asian Para Games: Thulasimathi clinches silver, remains in contention for two more golds

Thulasimathi Murugesan

India's Thulasimathi Murugesan added another medal to her growing collection at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games, settling for silver in the women's singles SU5 badminton event after losing to China's Yang Qiuxia in the final on Friday.

The 24-year-old, who won silver at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, went down 18-21, 11-21 against the Chinese shuttler at the Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium.However, Thulasimathi's campaign is far from over, with the Indian still in contention for two more gold medals in the mixed doubles and women's doubles events. She will look to make amends in the remaining finals as India aim to add to their medal tally.

Thulasimathi falls short against Yang after impressive semi-final comeback

Thulasimathi, currently ranked World No. 2, could not overcome Yang in the title clash, with the Chinese player securing the gold medal in straight games.

The Indian had produced a fighting performance in the semi-finals, rallying from a game down to defeat compatriot and World No. 1 Manisha Ramdass 19-21, 21-15, 21-13 and book her place in the final.The silver medal adds to Thulasimathi's impressive record in para-badminton, following her breakthrough performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, where she finished runner-up in the women's singles SU5 category.

Two more gold medal opportunities await

Thulasimathi will have two more chances to finish her campaign on a high.

She has partnered Nitesh Kumar to reach the mixed doubles SL3-SU5 final, where the Indian duo will face Indonesia's Leani Ratri Oktila and Hikmat Ramdani.The Indians booked their place in the final after overcoming China's Li Mingpan and Xiao Zuxian in a hard-fought 42-minute semi-final. Nitesh and Thulasimathi prevailed 21-19, 14-21, 21-17 to secure their place in the gold medal match.Later, Thulasimathi will team up with Manasi Girishchandra Joshi in the women's doubles SL3-SU5 final.

The Indian pair will face China's Yang Qiuxia and Xiao Zuxian, giving Thulasimathi another opportunity to challenge for gold against the Chinese shuttler who defeated her in the singles final.

Who is Thulasimathi Murugesan?

Born on April 11, 2002, in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, Thulasimathi has established herself as one of India's leading para-badminton players. Her silver medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics marked a major milestone in her career, while her performances at the Asian Para Games have further strengthened her standing on the international stage.She trains in Hyderabad under coaches Pullela Gopichand and Irfan Sait while pursuing a degree in veterinary science at Namakkal. In recognition of her achievements in para-badminton, including her Paralympic success, she was also honoured with the Arjuna Award.