Basant Kumar Meghwal Makes History With India’s First U20 High Jump Medal

India produced a historic performance at the World U20 Athletics Championships, with Basant Kumar Meghwal creating a new milestone in men’s high jump. The 19-year-old Indian Navy athlete cleared 2.21 metres to win the silver medal, becoming the first Indian to secure a medal in the high jump at the championship. Algeria’s Younes Ayachi also cleared 2.21m and won gold, while Britain’s Otis Poole took bronze. All three athletes failed to clear 2.24m, with the final standings decided by their attempts at previous heights. Meghwal’s achievement is particularly impressive considering his previous personal best was 2.11m. Under the guidance of former national-record holder Sahana Kumari, he improved significantly and matched his career-best 2.21m from the Junior Federation Cup earlier this year.

India also celebrated another podium finish in long jump, with 18-year-old Shahnawaz Khan winning bronze with a best effort of 7.84m. Italy’s Daniel Inzoli won gold with 7.97m, while Australia’s McGrader took silver with 7.96m. Shahnawaz, who lost his father to cancer when he was 10, has been working towards his dream of competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. His relatives and former athletes helped him pursue athletics, while his determination and rigorous training have taken him to the international stage. Meanwhile, India’s women’s 4x400m relay team qualified for the final, while the women’s 4x100m and men’s 4x400m relay teams missed out. Race walker Nitin Gupta finished sixth in the men’s 5,000m event.