Twitter reacts as Virat Kohli fandom hits Paris Paralympics as Badminton star Nitesh Kumar shares his inspiration

ByDebayan Sinha, SportsCafe Editor

Yesterday at 11:12 AM

Virat Kohli's influence goes beyond cricket, inspiring athletes across sports. This was evident at the Paris Paralympics 2024, where commentators highlighted Indian badminton star Nitesh Kumar's admiration for Kohli and how it reflected the determination he draws from the cricketing legend.

‌India’s performance at the Paris Paralympics has been remarkable, securing 15 gold, five silver, and seven bronze medals. The nation's golden streak was extended in the men’s singles badminton SL3 class final, where Nitesh triumphed with a gold medal. Top-seeded Nitesh defeated Great Britain's Daniel Bethell in a gripping three-game match, scoring 21-14, 18-21, 23-21. This victory marked the first time Nitesh had overcome Bethell, who was striving to maintain his unbeaten record. Despite the pressure, Nitesh remained resilient and claimed the gold.

However, before the match began, there was a moment that shed light on Nitesh’s journey and the influence of his idol, Virat Kohli. As the two finalists warmed up on the court, the commentators briefly highlighted Nitesh’s achievements at the Asian Paralympic Games. They mentioned, "Nitesh has a couple of World Championship silver medals and also the Gold in the Asian Para Games.” The commentators thereafter spoke about Nitesh’s hero Virat Kohli and how the 35-year-old has inspired sportspersons in India. They further said, “His (Nitesh) hero, he says is Virat Kohli, the wonderful Indian cricketer who formerly captained the national side. I think most people in India have Virat Kohli as their sporting hero.”

A graduate in Electrical Engineering from IIT-Mandi, Nitesh deeply admires Virat Kohli not only for his cricketing abilities but also for his transformation into a fit athlete and the discipline he carries. When the Indian cricket star made his mark at the Paris Paralympics, the excitement on Twitter was visible, with fans eagerly sharing their thoughts and reactions.

Virat is an icon!

English commentators during Paralympics badminton gold medal match

"His hero is Virat Kohli, the wonderful Indian cricketer....I think most people in India have Virat Kohli as sporting hero"
— Gaurav (@Melbourne__82)

EPIC

Gold Medalist Nitesh Kumar talking about Virat Kohli 👑
— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli)

Hero

English commentators about Nitish Kumar :

"His hero is Virat Kohli, the wonderful Indian cricketer....I think most people in India have Virat Kohli as sporting hero" ❤️
— Akshat (@AkshatOM10)

True

English commentators about Nitish Kumar :

"His hero is Virat Kohli, the wonderful Indian cricketer....I think most people in India have Virat Kohli as sporting hero"

The global star ⭐
— leisha (@katyxkohli17)

Lovely

JIOCINEMA POSTER NITESH KUMAR 🤝 VIRAT KOHLI..!!!

- Virat Kohli is an inspiration to all 🐐
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)

Wonderful

English Commentators said during Paralympics Badminton Gold Medal match

- "Nitesh Kumar's Hero is Virat Kohli, The wonderful Indian Cricketer. I think most people in India have Virat Kohli as Sporting Hero".
— Mohneet Chitkara (@ChitkaraMohneet)

Powerfull

LSG POSTER FOR NITESH KUMAR WORD'S ON VIRAT KOHLI!!👌🇮🇳
— Cricketmanu (@Manojy9812)

He is too big

English Commentators said during Paralympics Badminton Gold Medal match today: -

"Nitesh Kumar's Hero is Virat Kohli, The wonderful Indian Cricketer. I think most people in India have Virat Kohli as Sporting Hero".
— KYA CHAL RAHA HAI !!! (@KCRH261564)

Going viral