Nishad Kumar, Asian Para Games: Indian para-athlete Nishad Kumar has etched his name in the history books with a historic performance at the Asian Para Games. On Tuesday, he secured the top spot and won the gold medal in the men’s T47 high jump event, setting a new Games record in the process.
Prior to this, he had also won a gold medal in the men’s T47 long jump event on Monday. With this double-gold success, Nishad Kumar has become the third Indian athlete to win two gold medals in a single edition of the Asian Para Games.
A Historic 2.04-Metre Leap
Nishad Kumar delivered an exceptional performance in the men’s T47 high jump event held on Tuesday. By successfully clearing a height of 2.04 metres, he not only secured the gold medal but also set a new Games record.
The T47 category is for para-athletes who have an impairment in their upper limbs (arm or wrist). By winning gold in two separate jumping events over two consecutive days, he has firmly established his immense talent.
Nishad Kumar Joins an Exclusive Club
In the history of the Asian Para Games, the feat of winning two gold medals in a single edition has been achieved by only a select few Indian athletes. At the previous edition held in Hangzhou, China, runner Ankur Dhama won two gold medals in the men’s 5000m T11 and 1500m T11 events.
At the same edition, young archer Sheetal Devi who competes without both her arms secured two gold medals: in the women’s individual compound open and the mixed team compound open events. Now, Nishad Kumar has become the third Indian para-athlete to join this historic club.
Lost his arm at the age of 6
Nishad Kumar’s journey to this point has been far from easy. Hailing from the Amb region of the Una district in Himachal Pradesh, Nishad lost his right arm when he was just six years old, after coming into contact with a fodder-cutting machine on his family’s farm.
Despite the profound trauma and the challenges he faced in his childhood, he never let his spirit be broken. Rising from the humble paths of his family’s farm to bring glory to his nation on the international stage, Nishad has today become an inspiration for millions of young people.
