Glasgow, 28 July (H.S.): India's star high jumper Sarvesh Kushare produced an impressive performance on Monday (local time) to win the silver medal in the men's high jump event at the Commonwealth Games 2026. With this achievement, he secured India's first athletics medal of the Glasgow Games.

The 31-year-old cleared 2.05m, 2.10m, 2.15m and 2.20m on his first attempt in the final. He then successfully cleared 2.25m on his third attempt, virtually assuring himself of the silver medal.

Jamaica's Romaine Beckford also cleared 2.25m but did so on his first attempt, which earned him the gold medal on countback. Both athletes subsequently failed to clear 2.28m in all three of their attempts. England's Kimani Jack claimed the bronze medal after clearing 2.20m.

Sarvesh entered the Commonwealth Games in outstanding form. On June 27, he set a new national record by clearing 2.31m at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar. He had also created history at the 2025 World Athletics Championships by becoming the first Indian to qualify for the men's high jump final, where he finished sixth.

India had three athletes competing in the final of the event. However, Tejaswin Shankar withdrew from the competition due to injury after failing to clear the opening height of 2.05m. Despite withdrawing, the Birmingham 2022 bronze medallist remained at the trackside throughout the event, cheering Sarvesh on. India's other finalist, J. Adarsh Ram, also competed in the event.

Sarvesh Kushare's silver medal opened India's account in athletics at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, providing a significant boost to the Indian contingent's medal campaign.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar