Sarvesh Kushare wins high jump silver, India's first medal in 56 years

India put in a strong showing at the Asian Games 2026 being held in Japan, with athlete Sarvesh Kushare delivering a standout performance in the men's high jump. Sarvesh cleared a height of 2.25 metres to win the silver medal. His achievement has been widely praised and adds a new chapter to Indian athletics history.

Notably, this is India's first medal in men's high jump at the Asian Games in 56 years. India had last won a medal in the event at the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok. The country then had to wait five and a half decades for another medal in the event, a wait that Sarvesh Kushare's achievement has now ended.

Sarvesh entered the competition determined to win. He cleared the early rounds comfortably and successfully jumped 2.25 metres. He worked hard to secure a medal in the final, and his effort paid off as he won the silver medal for the country. His performance won over the spectators present at the venue.

Sarvesh Kushare is from Nashik district in Maharashtra. His journey to the Asian Games has been one of struggle and inspiration. Through hard work and consistent practice under difficult circumstances, he built a name for himself at the national and international level, and today got the opportunity to represent the country at the Asian Games.

The gold medal in the event was decided by a close contest between Sarvesh Kushare and Chinese Taipei's Chao Hsuan-Fu. Both athletes successfully cleared the same height of 2.25 metres. However, Chao Hsuan-Fu cleared 2.25 metres in his first attempt, while Sarvesh needed two attempts to clear the height. This is what cost Sarvesh the gold medal.