Nishad Kumar Wins Two Gold Medals After Dedicating Season to Long Jump

Nishad Kumar Wins Two Gold Medals at Asian Para Games

Indian para-athlete Nishad Kumar enjoyed a remarkable campaign at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Japan, winning two gold medals in the men’s T47 long jump and high jump events. The Paralympic medallist dedicated an entire season to learning and improving his long jump technique before delivering a breakthrough performance on the continental stage.

Nishad began his campaign by winning gold in the long jump with a best effort of 7.11 metres. The achievement was particularly significant because it marked his international debut in the discipline. He followed it with another gold in the high jump, clearing 2.04 metres to establish a new Games record.

The double-gold performance highlighted his versatility and determination. Primarily known as a high jumper, Nishad demonstrated that he could compete successfully in another demanding athletics event after months of focused preparation.

Nishad Kumar Dedicates a Season to Long Jump

Nishad’s transition to long jump was carefully planned with his coaching team. Speaking to The Tribune through ANI, he explained that the decision was made during a meeting with his team in December 2025.

“My training was really good. I had a meeting with my team last year in December, and we decided to dedicate the whole season to long jump and train really well without leaving any stone unturned,” Nishad said.

He described the process as a new learning experience, explaining that the team approached the discipline step by step. Developing the correct technique and building muscle memory became important parts of his preparation.

Nishad also highlighted the importance of mindset in learning a new event. According to him, repeated practice and feeling comfortable during training helped him adapt to the demands of long jump.

“The whole sport is about the feel. If you feel good while training and have a good mindset, you can do anything you want,” he said.

Knee Injury Influences Nishad’s Decision

Nishad’s decision to focus on long jump was also influenced by a persistent knee problem that affected his high jump training. The high jump technique places considerable demands on the body, and the injury forced him and his team to reconsider his competition schedule.

Rather than risking further discomfort by competing frequently in his primary event, Nishad explored long jump as an alternative. His limited competition experience in the discipline made the decision challenging, but the preparation ultimately paid off at the Asian Para Games.

His gold medal in long jump demonstrated the value of adapting training plans to an athlete’s physical condition while continuing to pursue competitive goals.

High Jump Gold Gives Nishad a Second Title

After winning the long jump, Nishad returned to his specialist event, the men’s T47 high jump. He cleared 2.04 metres to claim his second gold medal and set a new Asian Para Games record.

The performance was another major achievement for the Indian athlete, who had previously won silver medals at the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Paralympics. His latest success further strengthened his position among India’s leading para-athletes.

Nishad and his team also made a tactical decision not to push for a higher jump once the gold medal was secured. Managing his knee and avoiding unnecessary risks remained important priorities throughout the competition.

The two victories placed him among the Indian athletes who have won two gold medals at a single edition of the Asian Para Games. Para-runner Ankur Dhama and armless archer Sheetal Devi have also achieved the feat, while para-shooter Mona Agarwal joined the group during the 2026 edition.

Nishad Kumar Shares Emotional Moment With Family

Winning two gold medals brought Nishad immense happiness, but sharing the achievement with his family made the occasion even more special. He spoke about calling his mother first after the victories to seek her blessings.

Nishad explained that his mother often becomes emotional when she watches him compete on television. His selection as India’s flag-bearer for the closing ceremony added another proud moment for his family.

He described carrying the Indian flag as a special experience, particularly after achieving success in two different events. Although Mona Agarwal led the contingent during the closing ceremony, Nishad said he felt honoured to have been selected for the role.

His achievements also brought pride to his village in Himachal Pradesh, where young athletes look up to him as an example of dedication and perseverance.

India’s Record-Breaking Asian Para Games Campaign

Nishad’s double gold formed part of India’s impressive campaign at the 2026 Asian Para Games. The Indian contingent won 114 medals, including 30 gold, despite competing with a relatively small team.

Reflecting on the result, Nishad praised the athletes for exceeding expectations and highlighted the importance of giving young competitors opportunities at major international events.

He also pointed to the impact of hosting the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi in 2025. According to Nishad, international medals can change athletes’ mindsets, improve confidence and create opportunities for sponsorship and support.

The success of emerging athletes at major competitions has helped strengthen India’s para-athletics programme and encouraged more competitors to aim for international honours.

Nishad Kumar Targets the World Championships

Despite his success in Japan, Nishad is already looking ahead to his next challenge. His immediate priority is to prepare for the upcoming World Championships before turning his attention to future major competitions.

The two gold medals have given him confidence in his ability to compete across disciplines, but maintaining fitness and managing his knee will remain important as he plans his next season.

From dedicating an entire season to long jump to setting a Games record in high jump, Nishad’s Asian Para Games campaign demonstrated the benefits of preparation, adaptability and teamwork. His performances have added another memorable chapter to his career and strengthened India’s standing in para athletics.

For Nishad, the next goal is to build on this success and continue competing at the highest level while taking his career forward one step at a time.