From Jamui to national stardom, Shailesh Kumar thrilled after World Para Athletics C’ships gold
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Indian para-athlete Shailesh Kumar kicked off the New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships with a bang on Day 1, snagging India’s first gold medal at the event. The talented high jumper from Bihar’s Jamui district soared to victory in the men’s high jump T63 category with an impressive leap of 1.91 meters at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.
That jump marked Shailesh’s personal best and set a new championship record, nailed on his second-to-last try. Fellow Indian Varun Singh Bhati from Greater Noida also shone, earning a bronze medal with a solid 1.85-meter jump. The silver went to U.S. athlete Ezra Frech, the reigning Olympic champion, according to a Sports Authority of India (SAI) media release.
The 25-year-old Shailesh couldn’t hide his excitement after winning in front of his home crowd. “We arrived 10 days early, which helped us get used to the place,” he said. “It feels amazing to grab a gold medal right here at home.”
Shailesh had trained for months in Bengaluru’s milder weather before heading to Delhi, but the heat threw a curveball. “I aimed higher, but the warmth held me back a bit,” he admitted. “Still, I’m thrilled with how I did and can’t wait to push further at the next big meet.”
Hailing from the small village of Islamnagar in Jamui, Shailesh’s path to glory wasn’t easy. “There were hardly any training spots back home,” he shared. He got his start jumping in school and even won a gold in a Bihar sub-state able-bodied event. A friend’s tip about para sports changed everything, leading him to the para scene.
Since 2019, SAI’s Gandhinagar center has backed him big time—after his junior world championship gold, they offered a Rs 10,000 monthly stipend, plus housing and meals. “The setup there is top-notch, and it made all the difference,” Shailesh added. He’s been part of the Khelo India Scheme since October 2019, the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) core group, and trains at SAI’s National Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar.
This win helps Shailesh bounce back from a tough fourth-place finish at the Paris Paralympics 2024. He gives shoutouts to his family and coach Raunak Malik for keeping him motivated and refocused for the championships.
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