Yathiraj’s path to the Games has been far from easy. He has been compelled to adopt a rigorous training regime and a strict diet to maintain peak condition. Thanks to this, the player has exhibited excellent physical form throughout the tournament, allowing him to defeat South Korean Shin Kyung-hwan in straight sets during the quarterfinals at La Chapelle Arena.

In his own words, Yathiraj has been focused and disciplined in his preparation for the Games. “Right now, I’m sticking to a strict diet, lots of muesli, fruits, and a high-protein, low-carb regimen,” he shared with AFP. “I promised myself that if I win gold in Paris, I’m going to treat myself to a buttery croissant. I haven’t had one for a long time because I can’t afford to indulge during a tournament. Hopefully, after the finals, I’ll be able to enjoy that treat.”

Yathiraj’s journey has been shaped by both setbacks and triumphs. His near-miss at the Tokyo Paralympics, where he fell just short of gold, has been a significant motivating factor. “The reason I continued playing badminton after Tokyo was because I did not win gold,” he explained. “Winning at the Asian Para Games and the World Championships kept me motivated. I don't want to look too far ahead. My focus is on the semi-finals; I’ll take it one match point at a time and let destiny unfold.”

The pressure of being the world number one heading into the Paris Games has not been lost on Yathiraj. However, he has managed to keep that pressure in check by concentrating on his game rather than his ranking. “I didn’t want to think too much about being the world number one or the grandeur of the Paralympics,” he said. “In the past, overthinking has added to the pressure. The key is to stay relaxed and not take myself too seriously. I just want to play as I have been playing all along. The moment can get to you, so you need to hold your nerve and believe in your abilities.”

As Yathiraj approaches the semi-finals, he remains acutely aware of the challenge posed by his primary rival, Lucas Mazur. The Frenchman, who defeated Yathiraj in the world championship final earlier this year, will be playing with the support of a passionate home crowd. “I know the home crowd will likely favour him,” Yathiraj acknowledged. “I plan to use that to my advantage. We’ve had many encounters; I’ve both lost to him and beaten him. It’s a healthy rivalry, and I wish him all the best on a personal level. From a sporting perspective, these rivalries are what make the game exciting. I hope the crowd enjoys it too.”

Despite his injury and the intense competition, Yathiraj’s focus remains unwavering. His preparation for the semi-finals is thorough, as he aims to deliver his best performance. “My goal is to give my best in every match,” he stated. “The challenge of competing at the Paralympics and the prospect of achieving something special keeps me motivated.”