Last year in the Khelo India Para-Games Bengal’s existence in the medal-winners’ list was possible due to Ankit Pradhan. The only silver acquired by this Para-Badminton player from Darjeeling in the WH-1 category helped Bengal to earn a place in the list of medal winners. 

Ankit again set a mark by acquiring two bronze medals in the 6th National Para-Badminton Championships held at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur from 20th to 23rd March.

He did not allow his performance affected even after hearing the news of his grandmother's demise. 

Competing alongside his doubles partners Sanjeev Kumar and Ruchi Trivedi, Pradhan finally clinched bronze medals in the men’s doubles and mixed doubles events, respectively. He lost in the quarter-final in the singles event. 

The 25-year-old Pradhan dedicated his achievement to his late grandmother stating, “This medal is soulfully dedicated to my grandmother, who wished me the best of luck before I left for the tournament. Though I could not be with her, she will forever remain in my heart. This is for you, my dear Aaji.”

Ankit was planning to leave Bengal due to a lack of infrastructure. Even, after earning the silver medal in the Khelo India Para-Games Pradhan was not encouraged either by the state government or by any respective association. 

While commenting on the issue, Ankit who is all set to start for Bodh Gaya to attend his grandmother’s funeral program, stated on Sunday, "I have been told that I would receive a financial grant from the state government next year, and simultaneously I also have been promised by the MLA of Darjeeling that I would be offered a job. I will have to wait now."

Ankit is likely to participate in his maiden international competition, to be held in Uganda around June. But he revealed he would have to run from pillar to post to accumulate the needed amount for his Uganda trip.