Kalahandi Gives Hero's Welcome to Para-Badminton Champion Akash Ranjan Mund After Historic World Abilitysport Youth Games Triumph
Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi: The people of Kalahandi celebrated one of the proudest moments in the district's sporting history as international para-badminton champion Akash Ranjan Mund received a grand civic welcome upon his return home after his remarkable success at the World Abilitysport Youth Games 2026 in Mersin, Türkiye.
Description: Akash Ranjan Mund being welcomed at Bhawanipatna with traditional Gumra dance, drums, flower garlands, and enthusiastic crowds celebrating his return from Türkiye.
Residents, sports enthusiasts, students, public representatives, and well-wishers gathered in large numbers at the district headquarters in Bhawanipatna to congratulate the 21-year-old athlete. The celebrations reflected the immense pride of Kalahandi as Akash returned home after winning two gold medals and one silver medal for India on the international stage. Reports from the event described a vibrant reception featuring the traditional Gumra dance, tribal musical performances, flower garlands, and cheers from hundreds of supporters.
Akash delivered an outstanding performance at the World Abilitysport Youth Games 2026, held from 18 to 22 June in Mersin, Türkiye. Competing in the SL3 category, designed for athletes with lower limb impairments, he won the gold medal in the Men's Singles (SL3), another gold medal in the Mixed Doubles (SL3-SU5), and a silver medal in the Men's Doubles (SL3-SU5). His three-medal haul made him one of India's standout performers at the tournament.
Akash, a native of Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi district, is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar. Before his international breakthrough, he had already established himself as one of Odisha's leading young para-badminton players, holding the No. 1 ranking in Odisha Youth and the No. 3 ranking nationally in the youth category.
Speaking after his achievement, Akash expressed gratitude to everyone who supported his journey. He said winning medals for India was the greatest honour of his career and described the achievement as only the beginning of his dream. He also said he now aims to train harder and represent India at future international competitions, including the Los Angeles Paralympic Games.
Akash has often credited legendary Odisha para-badminton player Pramod Bhagat as his biggest inspiration. Watching Bhagat's achievements motivated him to take up para-badminton and believe that athletes from Odisha could succeed on the world stage. He has also acknowledged the constant encouragement of his father, Goura Chandra Mund, along with the support provided by the Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha, coaches, and training facilities that helped him prepare for international competition.
The reception in Bhawanipatna turned into a celebration of Kalahandi's growing sporting culture. Traditional Gumra performers welcomed the champion with rhythmic drumbeats and cultural performances, while residents showered him with flowers and congratulated him for bringing international recognition to the district. The event symbolized not only appreciation for Akash's achievement but also growing public support for para-sports in Odisha.
Sports officials and local leaders described Akash's performance as an inspiration for young athletes, especially those living with disabilities. His success demonstrates that talent, determination, and proper support can overcome physical challenges and create opportunities at the highest level of international sport. His achievements are also expected to encourage greater participation in para-badminton and other para-sports across Odisha.
With two world titles already to his name at a young age, Akash Ranjan Mund has become one of Kalahandi's brightest sporting icons. As he continues his training with ambitions of representing India at future global championships and the Paralympic Games, his remarkable journey from Bhawanipatna to the international podium stands as a powerful example of perseverance, dedication, and excellence.