Suhas Yathiraj, India’s standout performer at the 2024 Paralympics, shared insights into handling pressure in high-stakes matches, revealing his mental strategies as an elite para-athlete.
The para-badminton star made headlines after winning a silver medal at the 2023 Para Games in Paris. Yathiraj’s achievements extend beyond sports—he cleared the prestigious IAS exam on his first attempt. Now ranked as the world’s number one para-shuttler, Suhas recently opened up about his journey, highlighting how he deals with pressure and adversity on and off the court.
Handling Pressure on the World Stage
In a recent interview, Yathiraj spoke about the challenges of managing expectations during major tournaments. He explained that while badminton was not his initial professional path, his breakthrough at the Asian Championships paved the way for his successful career. Reflecting on the pressure he faced at the Paralympics in Paris, Yathiraj emphasized the importance of staying focused and not letting expectations dictate performance.
“Yes, there is always pressure. Tokyo was different because no one, including myself, expected a medal from me. But after winning in Tokyo, and going into Paris as the world number one, the expectations were higher. I didn’t let the pressure get to me and kept the same mindset I had in Tokyo. Of course, I wanted to win gold, but that’s how life and sports go—some days you win, some days you lose,” Yathiraj said.
A Tough Final Match
In the Paris Paralympics, Yathiraj battled hard but ultimately lost to France’s Lucas Mazur in the men’s singles SL4 category final. Despite the challenge, Yathiraj claimed the silver medal after a two-game defeat with scores of 9-21 and 13-21. His remarkable performance marked his second consecutive Paralympic silver, further solidifying his reputation as one of India’s top athletes.
Though he fell short of the gold, Yathiraj’s journey remains a source of pride for the nation, with his perseverance and dedication shining through on the global stage.
