India Shines at World Para Athletics Championships with Gold and Bronze in Men's High Jump

India's Success at the World Para Athletics Championships

On Saturday, Shailesh Kumar and Varun Singh Bhati marked India's entry into the World Para Athletics Championships by securing gold and bronze medals in the men's high jump T63 event.

The 25-year-old Shailesh set a new Championship and Asian record with an impressive jump of 1.91m in the T42 category, earning him the top spot on the podium.

Meanwhile, Bhati, a former Para Asian Games medalist, took home the bronze, while the silver medal was claimed by Ezra Frech from the USA, the reigning Olympic champion.

Both Bhati and Frech achieved a best clearance of 1.85m, but the American triumphed over the Indian based on count-back rules.

Rahul, the third Indian competitor, finished in fourth place with a personal best of 1.78m.

All three athletes, Shailesh, Bhati, and Rahul, are classified as T42, indicating they have single above-the-knee amputations or comparable disabilities.

The T63 classification is designated for athletes with single limb deficiencies through the knee or above. On Saturday, T63 and T42 athletes competed together in the same event.