Tokyo — Sarvesh Kushare created history by becoming the first Indian to qualify for the men’s high jump final at the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo. The 30-year-old athlete cleared 2.25m on his second attempt during the qualification round at the National Stadium, securing his place among the top 13 finalists.
Kushare’s leap was just 0.02m shy of his personal best of 2.27m, which he set in 2022. He started by clearing 2.16m and 2.21m on his second attempts before successfully clearing the crucial 2.25m mark. His impressive performance stood out on a day when Tokyo Olympic champion Gianmarco Tamberi failed to make the final.
A son of an onion farmer from Nashik, Maharashtra, Kushare’s journey to this milestone has been remarkable. He began training with humble resources, using makeshift landing mats and mastering the Fosbury Flop technique under the guidance of his first coach, Raosaheb Jadhav. His career took a leap forward when he joined the Indian Army in 2016, gaining access to better facilities and financial support.
Kushare has previously represented India at the 2024 Paris Olympics and won gold at the 2019 South Asian Games. With this historic qualification, he aims to give his best in the final scheduled for September 16, facing tough competition at the world level.
India’s contingent at the Tokyo 2025 World Championships features 19 athletes competing in 15 events, including stars like Neeraj Chopra and Murali Sreeshankar. Kushare’s qualification adds a new chapter to Indian athletics, which has so far won three medals at the global championships.
This achievement marks a significant moment not only for Kushare but also for Indian athletics, inspiring confidence and belief in the country’s potential on the world stage.
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