New Delhi – The World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi erupted on Saturday as India launched its campaign with a spectacular double-podium finish in the men’s high jump T63 event. At the heart of the excitement was Shailesh Kumar, whose record-breaking leap secured the host nation’s first gold medal.
The Championship Record Shattered
Facing an elite field, including the reigning Olympic champion, Shailesh Kumar delivered a career-defining performance. The 25-year-old athlete successfully cleared an outstanding 1.91m, a height that not only guaranteed him the gold but also set a new Championship Record for the T42 category. The flawless jump immediately established India’s dominance in the event.
A Nail-Biting Battle for Silver and Bronze
While Shailesh soared clear, the fight for the remaining podium spots turned into a dramatic countback. The USA’s Ezra Frech, the formidable reigning Olympic champion, and India’s seasoned jumper Varun Bhati both finished with an identical best clearance of 1.85m.
However, the tie-breaker rule favored the American. Based on the countback (fewer failed attempts at the earlier heights), Frech was awarded the Silver Medal, leaving Bhati to clinch the Bronze Medal for India. The result gave the host nation a cherished dual presence on the podium.
The competition also saw the third Indian finalist, Rahul, finish fourth overall, having achieved a best clearance of 1.78m. The collective performance in the men’s high jump T63 final set an electrifying tone for the remainder of the Championships.
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