Shailesh Kumar Clinches Gold at World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi

Indian para-athlete Shailesh Kumar has made headlines by winning the first gold medal for India at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi. With a record jump of 1.91 meters in the T63 high jump event, he not only clinched gold but also set a new championship record. The event, which runs until October 5, features over 2,200 athletes from 104 countries and serves as a key qualifier for the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics. Discover more about India's performance and the significance of this championship in the full article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 28, 2025, 01:57 IST

Historic Win for India at World Para Athletics Championships

On September 27, Indian para-athlete Shailesh Kumar made history by winning the first gold medal for India at the ongoing World Para Athletics Championships held in New Delhi. He achieved this remarkable feat in the T63 high jump event.

Shailesh's impressive jump of 1.91 meters not only earned him the gold but also established a new championship record, according to reports from ESPN.

The silver medal was claimed by USA's Paralympic champion Ezra Frech, who jumped 1.85 meters, while India's Varun Singh Bhatti matched that height to secure the bronze medal.

Another Indian competitor, Rahul, finished in fourth place with a jump of 1.78 meters.

In the women's 400m T20 category, Deepthi Jeevanji, who was a bronze medalist at the previous Paralympics and the reigning world champion, could not retain her title, finishing with a silver medal and a time of 55.16 seconds.

As of now, India has garnered three medals at the championships: one gold, one silver, and one bronze. China currently leads the medal tally with two golds and two silvers.

During the morning session of the first day, Deepthi qualified for the finals of the women's 400m T20 event, securing her spot in the medal round with a season-best time of 58.35 seconds in the second heat.

The World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, which began on September 27, will run until October 5, featuring over 2,200 para-athletes from 104 nations at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

This event, comprising 186 medal competitions, marks the largest Para-Athletics meet in India's history and is a crucial qualifier for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics, highlighting India's dedication to promoting accessibility and sporting excellence.

Historically, India has achieved a total of 45 medals at the World Para Athletics Championships, including 13 gold, 15 silver, and 17 bronze medals. In the last edition held in Kobe, India finished sixth with a total of 17 medals, comprising six gold, five silver, and six bronze.