New Delhi: India enjoyed a golden day at the World Para Athletics Championships as Simran Sharma and Nishad Kumar clinched their maiden world titles, lifting the hosts to fourth place in the overall medal standings with six golds.
Delhi sprinter Simran Sharma stormed to victory in the women’s 100m T12 final, clocking a personal best of 11.95s to secure her first world title. Running with guide Umar Saifi, the 25-year-old edged out China’s Liang Yanfen (12.11s) and Spain’s Nagore Folgado Garcia (12.11s), who shared the silver. Born with a visual impairment, Simran dedicated her triumph to the country, saying: “It’s fun to run for my country. I always wanted to do something for my country. I have won gold in 100m, now I will give my best in 200m.”
Meanwhile, Nishad Kumar delivered the upset of the tournament, defeating American legend Roderick Townsend to win gold in the men’s high jump T47. On his 26th birthday, Nishad cleared 2.14m an Asian record to claim his first world title. Townsend, a five-time defending champion and three-time Paralympic gold medallist, had to settle for bronze with 2.03m, while Turkey’s Abdullah Ilgaz took silver (2.08m). An emotional Nishad said: “I have been waiting for this day for years. I was ready for it. I had written in my diary that I will win gold today.”
Adding to India’s tally, Preethi Pal won bronze in the women’s 200m T35 with a season-best 30.03s, and Pardeep Kumar claimed bronze in the men’s discus throw F64 with a 46.23m effort.
With two days remaining, India’s medal count stands at six gold, five silver, and four bronze, putting them within reach of surpassing their all-time best haul of 17 medals at Kobe 2024. Brazil continues to lead the table (12 gold), followed by China (9) and Poland (8).
India’s para-athletes now aim to close the championships on a historic high, with the nation eyeing its strongest finish yet on the global stage.
