India’s Nishad Kumar on Sunday won a silver medal in the T47 high jump event at the Tokyo Paralympics. Kumar created an Asian record with his best attempt of 2.06m in the final. 

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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Who is Nishad Kumar?

Nishad Kumar comes from Himachal Pradesh’s Una. The para athlete has a limb deficiency, right hand missing, and competes in the T46/47 category. He 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.

A physical education student at the Lovely Professional University, Kumar, had set the Asian record bt jumping  2.06m for the gold at the 12th Fazza International Championships for World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2021 held in Dubai. 

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“Along with my national mentors, I am thankful to LPU and trainers here who chiselled me to be perfect in my field. I am indebted to LPU management as it offered me scholarship to continue with both studies and sports, which was otherwise very difficult for me to reach such a winning stage. I managed a very good performance at the championships, and I am feeling proud that I established a new record also. In fact, all of my hard work learnt at LPU paid off here. Now, I want to win the gold again and set a record in (postponed) Tokyo 2020 Paralympics as well,” the 21-year-old said after his success in Dubai, The Tribune India reported. 

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He is pursuing his graduation in physical education at LPU on 100% sports scholarship. 

Kumar’s silver on Sunday means India’s tally at the Tokyo Paralympics stands at three. The first silver was won by paddler Bhavina Patel and discus thrower Vinod Kumar also won a bronze medal.  

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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 after Nishad Kumar’s win.