Eugene, 09 August (H.S.): India’s Basant Kumar Meghwal created history at the World Athletics U20 Championships 2026 by winning the silver medal in the men’s high jump, becoming the first Indian athlete to claim a high-jump medal in the history of the competition.

The 19-year-old from Anupgarh, Rajasthan, cleared a best height of 2.21 metres in the final, equalling his personal best. His performance secured India’s second medal of the championships. Earlier on Friday, Ashish Yadav had won a silver medal in the javelin throw.

Algeria’s Younes Ayachi won the gold medal, while Great Britain’s Otis Poole took bronze.

All three medal winners were unable to clear 2.24 metres after successfully clearing 2.21 metres. The medals were therefore decided through the countback rule. Ayachi cleared 2.21 metres on his first attempt, while Meghwal required two attempts and Poole three. This gave Ayachi the advantage over Meghwal and earned him the gold medal.

For Meghwal, the performance marks a landmark achievement in Indian athletics. The Anupgarh athlete not only announced himself on the global stage but also secured India’s first-ever medal in the high jump at the World Athletics U20 Championships.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar