Nishad Kumar claims high jump T47 gold with 2.04m Asian Para Games record in Nagoya
Nishad Kumar cleared 2.04m to win the men's high jump T47 gold at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Nagoya on Tuesday, adding to the men's long jump T47 gold he won on Monday. His 2.04m effort set an Asian Para Games record and gave the Indian athlete two gold medals in two days.
The 26-year-old comes into Nagoya with a history of international podium finishes; he won high jump silver at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympics. At age six his right arm was severed in an accident involving a grass-cutting machine at his family's farm in Amb, Himachal Pradesh. By winning two golds in Nagoya he became the third Indian to claim two titles at a single edition of the Asian Para Games, joining Ankur Dhama and Sheetal Devi, who achieved the feat in Hangzhou in 2022.
The final was wrapped up after just four successful clearances. Nishad cleared 1.88m, 1.94m, 1.98m and 2.02m at the first attempt before sailing over 2.04m to set a new Games record; he then attempted 2.06m but could not clear the bar and ended the competition with the gold secured.
Uzbekistan's Muhammadabdulloh Tursunjonov finished second with a best clearance of 1.94m, while Thailand's Angkarn Chanaboon took bronze at 1.75m. Nishad's winning clearance was 10cm higher than that of the silver medallist.
On the build-up to the event Nishad credited preparation, team unity and positive training results for his form: "The training was very good. The team was together, the results in training were positive, and we had positive thinking. There was no doubt at any stage. If we had any doubts, we would clear them that day or the next day rather than letting them drag on," he explained.
He described a methodical approach to competition day, stressing punctuality and measured warm-ups: "For us, the important thing is to do everything on time. Sometimes athletes get late to the warm-up area and become nervous, trying to do everything in a hurry. That can leave them breathless and waste energy," he said. "We make sure every step is covered on time. The warm-up should be relaxed, with enough rest, and done with focus. We have a plan, and we follow the rules and regulations step by step. No step should be missed."
After receiving his second gold Nishad told PCI, "Very good. It feels really good. The body is tired now, but the target we came here for has been achieved. Everyone is happy. My family is happy, I am happy and my team is happy." He said the immediate focus is the World Championships next year: "We are focusing on the World Championships next year. If we qualify, the target will be to do well there too. We will keep an eye on that and try our best," he said.