Nagoya, 19 October (H.S.): India’s star para-athlete and two-time Paralympic silver medallist Nishad Kumar delivered an outstanding performance to win the gold medal in the men’s T47 long jump event at the Asian Para Games 2026.

Nishad, who hails from Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh, registered a best jump of 7.11 metres in the final, achieving the distance twice. His impressive performance secured India’s second gold medal of the competition.

The Indian athlete opened the contest with a jump of 6.95 metres before taking the lead with an effort of 7.09 metres in his second attempt. He improved further in his third attempt, reaching 7.11 metres. Although his fourth jump was ruled a foul, he responded strongly under pressure.

Nishad matched his best mark of 7.11 metres in his fifth attempt before recording a jump of 7.07 metres in his sixth and final attempt. His consistent performance throughout the competition earned him the gold medal.

Although the long jump is not Nishad’s primary event, he outperformed his rivals to finish at the top of the standings. His achievement marks a significant milestone for the Indian contingent at the Games.

Uzbekistan’s Omadbek Khasanov won the silver medal with a jump of 6.99 metres, recording a season’s best performance. Sri Lanka’s Mohammadu Safran secured the bronze medal with an effort of 6.55 metres.

This is India’s second gold medal at the ongoing Games. Earlier, Mona Agarwal won gold in the women’s 10-metre air rifle standing SH1 (R2) event.

With Nishad’s victory, India’s medal tally for the day rose to five, comprising two gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar