Nishad Kumar sets Asian record to win maiden gold in men's high jump T47 at World Para Athletics Championships 2025

He has previously won two silver medals in back-to-back editions.

After silvers in consecutive editions, Nishad Kumar finally struck gold at the world stage, achieving it in men’s high jump T47 event at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 in New Delhi. And fittingly, it happened on his birthday, with a roaring home crowd behind him on Friday, October 3.

By clearing 2.14m, the 26-year-old not only won his maiden world title but also set a new Asian record, coming within a whisker of the world record held by his longtime rival, Roderick Townsend at 2.16m, which the American set in 2023.

Townsend, who has dominated the event for years, had to settle for bronze this time as he could clear only 2.03m, while Abdullah Ilgaz of Turkey claimed silver setting European record by clearing 2.08m.

This medal for the Himachal Pradesh born para-athlete is more than a victory. For years, gold remained elusive in his resume. Nishad had to settle for silver at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Paris 2024 Paralympics, and World Championships 2023 (Paris) and 2024 (Kobe).

But in New Delhi, everything came together. He cleared every mark on his first attempt and then leapt into history. Before Friday, Nishad’s personal best stood at 2.09m and his season best was 2.08m.

Also Read: Simran Sharma sprints to historic gold in 100m T12 at World Para Athletics Championships 2025

 “I have been waiting for this day for a long time, working hard for each and every minute. Today was finally that day, and I didn’t want to miss it,” Nishad said after the win as quoted by Wion News.

In a very exciting tone filled with happiness he said, “I have given my best, and it’s God’s will. No one can stop me.”

“If it was a world record, it would have been perfect. I was preparing for it in Paris, but sometimes I overthink. This time everything was perfect,” he added.

Coming into the event, the biggest challenge was the World record holder Roderick, but the Indian star had set his target beyond the fear. “I’m happy for him too. It’s a great achievement for me to beat him for the first time.

“I remember watching him in 2016 and knowing he would be my competitor. This year, he jumped 10–12 times in front of me, but my coach reminded me, this isn’t our target,” he said.

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