Nishad Kumar wins second gold with dominant high jump display at Asian Para Games

Nishad Kumar clinched his second gold at the Asian Para Games 2026, clearing 2.04m to set a Games record in the men's high jump T47 final. He becomes the third Indian to win two gold medals at a single edition of the Games.

In Short

• Nishad Kumar clears 2.04m to win high jump gold with a Games record
• Indian becomes third athlete from the country to win two golds at one edition
• Nishad had earlier won gold in the men's long jump T47 event on Monday

For Nishad Kumar, the job was done. Two gold medals in two days, an Asian Para Games record and a high jump final that he wrapped up after just four successful clearances. The Indian para-athlete had every reason to be pleased, even if the physical toll of his remarkable campaign was beginning to catch up with him.

Nishad 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 gold he won in the men's long jump T47 event on Monday. In the process, he became the third Indian to win two gold medals at a single edition of the Asian Para Games, joining middle-distance runner Ankur Dhama and armless archer Sheetal Devi, who achieved the feat in Hangzhou in 2022.

"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," Nishad told PCI after his second gold.

The 26-year-old's high jump performance was a lesson in control. He 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, bringing his competition to an end with the gold already 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.

NO ROOM FOR DOUBTS

Behind the effortless-looking performance was a preparation routine built on discipline, communication and attention to detail. Nishad credited the training camp and the positive atmosphere within the team for helping him approach the competition with confidence.

"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.

His approach on competition day was equally methodical. Rather than rushing through preparations or allowing nerves to dictate his routine, Nishad and his team focused on getting every detail right, from leaving the hotel on time to beginning the warm-up and reaching the call room as scheduled.

"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."

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN SIGHT

With the Asian Para Games target achieved, Nishad is already looking towards his next challenge. The immediate satisfaction of winning two gold medals will give way to preparations for the World Championships next year, where he hopes to earn qualification and compete for another strong result.

"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.

Nishad was clear that success at the next level would require the same process-driven approach that brought him two gold medals in Nagoya. Rather than making promises about the outcome, he wants to concentrate on delivering his best performance when the opportunity arrives.

For now, though, the Indian can savour a memorable campaign. His right arm was severed in an accident involving a grass-cutting machine at his family's farm in Amb, Himachal Pradesh, when he was six. He went on to win high jump silver at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympics before adding two Asian Para Games gold medals to his record.

The record-breaking 2.04m clearance has strengthened his standing among India's leading para-athletes. More importantly, Nishad leaves Nagoya with his immediate target fulfilled, his team celebrating and a new challenge already on the horizon.

- Ends