Tokyo Paralympics: Nishad Kumar wins silver in high jump T47

Indian T47 high jumper Nishad Kumar on Sunday won a silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympics. He recorded his best attempt of 2.06m and in doing so created the Asian record with his best jump in the final.

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“More joyful news comes from Tokyo! Absolutely delighted that Nishad Kumar wins the Silver medal in Men’s High Jump T47. He is a remarkable athlete with outstanding skills and tenacity. Congratulations to him. #Paralympics,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted. 

Kumar’s win comes on the day Indian paddler Bhavina Patel won a silver medal at the Paralympics. With the high jump silver,  India’s medal tally at Paralympics 2020 has gone up to two. 

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Hailing  from Una, Himachal Pradesh Nishad Kumar was named in the 24-member athletics team India sent to the Tokyo Paralympics. In 2019, he registered a best of 2 metres at the Dubai World Para Athletics Championship had booked his place in the Tokyo games.

American Dallas Wise was also awarded a silver as he and Kumar cleared the same height of 2.06m. Another American, Roderick Townsend won the gold with a world record jump of 2.15m.

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Meanwhile, Rakesh Kumar continued his impressive run of form to storm into the pre-quarterfinals while his teammate Shyam Sundar Swami made a second round exit as Indian compound archers had a mixed day at the Paralympic Games on Saturday.