In an inspiring tale of perseverance and dedication, Nishad Kumar secured a silver medal in the Men’s High Jump T47 category at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. The 24-year-old Indian para-athlete jumped to a height of 2.04 meters in the final, narrowly missing out on gold. The top honor went to USA's Roderick Townsend, who cleared 2.08 meters, marking his third consecutive gold medal at the Paralympics. Neutral para-athlete Georgii Margiev won bronze with a jump of 2.00 meters.
Kumar's journey to the Paralympics is a remarkable one. When he first joined a training camp in Panchkula, he packed an entire auto rickshaw with provisions, unaware that the camp provided meals. His commitment and passion for high jumping were evident from the start, and he has since evolved into a consistent performer on the world stage, having previously won silver at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
In a heartfelt message, Kumar expressed his intention to win gold at the LA 2028 Paralympics, showcasing his unyielding determination. His story reflects not just his personal struggle and triumph, but also the spirit of Indian athletics on the global stage.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have both extended their congratulations to Kumar and fellow Indian athletes for their stellar performances. Kumar's silver medal adds to India's growing Paralympic success, which also includes medals won by Preeti Pal, who made history with two medals in track and field events at these Games.
As India celebrates its impressive performance at the Paris Paralympics, with a total of seven medals including one gold, two silvers, and four bronzes, Kumar's achievements stand out as a testament to his hard work and dedication. The country looks forward to his future successes and the continued growth of its Paralympic athletes.