Indian athletics celebrated a historic milestone on Saturday after Sarvesh Kushare produced the performance of his career, clearing 2.31m in the men’s high jump to set a new national record at the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar.
The Maharashtra athlete surpassed the previous national record of 2.29m, held by Tejaswin Shankar since 2018, while also becoming the first Indian high jumper to cross the 2.30m mark. The remarkable effort secured him the gold medal and added another memorable chapter to Indian track and field.
A Night to Remember
Sarvesh displayed impressive consistency throughout the competition, clearing the opening heights comfortably before moving into record territory. After missing his first two attempts at 2.31m, he rose to the occasion on his final try, producing a flawless clearance that sent the crowd into celebration.
With the national record already in his pocket, Sarvesh attempted 2.35m in search of an even bigger achievement but could not clear the bar. Nevertheless, his 2.31m effort had already ensured a place in Indian athletics history.
Record Finally Rewritten
Tejaswin Shankar’s 2.29m jump, achieved in April 2018, had remained untouched for eight years. Sarvesh’s breakthrough not only erased that mark but also highlighted the steady progress of Indian high jumping over the past few seasons.
The record-breaking jump also comfortably met the Athletics Federation of India’s qualification standard for the 2026 Asian Games, strengthening Sarvesh’s position in India’s squad for the continental event.
A Reward for Years of Consistency
Sarvesh has been among India’s leading high jumpers for several years, winning national titles and representing the country at major international competitions. His latest achievement reflects years of persistence and technical improvement, finally converting his potential into a historic national record.
The National Inter-State Championships proved to be a memorable meet, with multiple national records falling and several athletes producing world-class performances, underlining the rapid rise of Indian athletics.
Men’s High Jump – Final Result
Gold: Sarvesh Kushare (Maharashtra) – 2.31m (New National Record)
Key Highlights
New National Record: 2.31m
Previous National Record: 2.29m – Tejaswin Shankar (2018)
First Indian athlete to clear 2.30m in the men’s high jump
Gold medal at the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships
Achieved the Athletics Federation of India qualifying standard for the 2026 Asian Games
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