Basant Kumar Meghwal created history by becoming the first Indian to win a high jump medal at the World Athletics U20 Championships, while Shahnavaz Khan added a bronze in the men’s long jump as India secured two medals on a memorable day in Eugene.
Meghwal, a 19-year-old from Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar district, cleared a personal-best 2.21m to claim silver in the men’s high jump. Shahnavaz later secured bronze with a best effort of 7.84m, taking India’s medal tally at the championships to three.
India’s medal campaign had begun on Friday when Ashish Yadav won silver in the men’s javelin throw, becoming only the second Indian after Neeraj Chopra to win a medal in the event at the World U20 Championships.
Meghwal Makes History
Representing the Indian Navy, Meghwal produced the landmark performance on the fourth and penultimate day of the championships.
Algeria’s Younes Ayachi won gold, while Great Britain’s Otis Poole took bronze. All three medallists cleared 2.21m but failed all three attempts at 2.24m, with the final positions decided on countback.
Ayachi cleared 2.21m on his first attempt, while Meghwal managed it on his second and Poole on his third.
The silver marked India’s first-ever high jump medal at the World Athletics U20 Championships.
Meghwal’s rapid improvement has been one of the standout features of his season. Coached by former Indian women’s high jump national record holder Sahana Kumari, he has improved his personal best by 10cm, from 2.11m to 2.21m.
Shahnavaz Adds Long Jump Bronze
India’s medal tally rose to three when 18-year-old Shahnavaz Khan finished third in the men’s long jump.
Shahnavaz produced his best effort of 7.84m on his third attempt. His complete series read 7.67m, 7.72m, 7.84m, 7.52m, 7.83m and 5.37m.
Italy’s Daniele Inzoli won gold with 7.97m, while Australia’s Mason McGroder claimed silver with a personal best of 7.96m.
R.C. Jithin Arjunan was the other Indian in the final and finished eighth with a best jump of 7.59m.
Ashish Yadav Started India’s Medal Run
India’s medal campaign began with Ashish Yadav’s silver in the men’s javelin throw on Friday.
The 19-year-old recorded a best throw of 74.09m to finish behind South Africa’s Jan-Hendrik Heymans, who won gold with 80.50m. Dominica’s Addison James claimed bronze with 73.89m.
Ashish became only the second Indian javelin thrower to win a medal at the World U20 Championships, following Neeraj Chopra’s historic gold in 2016.
Chopra congratulated Ashish after his achievement, describing the silver as “just the start” and expressing his pride in the young thrower.
With Meghwal, Shahnavaz and Ashish all reaching the podium, India have now produced three medals at the championships, underlining the growing depth of the country’s young athletics talent.
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