India opened its account at the World Para Athletics Championships in style on Saturday, with Shailesh Kumar and Varun Singh Bhati clinching gold and bronze respectively in the men’s high jump T63 event.
Shailesh Soars to Record Heights
The 25-year-old Shailesh produced the performance of his career, clearing 1.91m — a mark that shattered both the Championship record and the Asian record.
It was also his personal best, securing him the top step of the podium and sending the home crowd into raptures.
Bhati Adds Bronze, Frech Takes Silver
Varun Singh Bhati, a former Para Asian Games medallist, added to India’s tally with a bronze medal after a clearance of 1.85m. He was tied with reigning Paralympic champion Ezra Frech of the USA, but the American
secured silver on countback, edging Bhati by virtue of fewer failed attempts.
India’s strong showing in the event was underlined by Rahul, who finished fourth with a personal best jump of 1.78m.
Classification Context
While listed under the T63 event, the field on Saturday also included T42 athletes. Both categories cover athletes with single above-the-knee amputations or similar limb deficiencies, and in such cases, the events can be combined for competition purposes.
(more to follow…)
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