New Delhi: Sarvesh Kushare created history on Monday by becoming the first Indian athlete to win a silver medal in the men’s high jump at the Commonwealth Games, delivering another landmark achievement for Indian athletics.
The 2023 Asian Championships silver medallist cleared 2.25 metres to secure second place in the final. Jamaica’s Romaine Beckford claimed the gold medal after winning on countback when both athletes failed to clear 2.28 metres. England’s Kimani Jack took the bronze with a best jump of 2.20 metres.
Another Indian competitor, Adarsh Ram, finished fifth after clearing 2.15 metres.
Kushare’s silver surpassed India’s previous best performance in the event. Before this, Tejaswin Shankar was the only Indian to win a Commonwealth Games medal in men’s high jump, claiming bronze at the 2022 Birmingham Games.
Shankar also competed on Monday but withdrew after failing to clear 2.05 metres in his opening attempt. The decision was taken to avoid injury as he prepares for the men’s decathlon competition later this week.
The 27 year old from Devargaon village in Maharashtra’s Nashik district has enjoyed a breakthrough season. Earlier this month, he became the first Indian high jumper to secure a podium finish at a Diamond League event after clearing 2.26 metres to finish third in Monaco.
Kushare’s journey has been one of determination. The son of an onion farmer, he began training on makeshift landing pits built by his father and childhood coach using corn husks, cotton and agricultural waste. His historic Commonwealth Games silver is another significant milestone in a career that continues to inspire Indian athletics.
Sorry, there was a YouTube error.
