Nishad Kumar won a second gold with a dominant high jump at the Asian Para Games

For Nishad Kumar, the job was done. Two gold medals in two days, a record at the Asian Para Games and a final in the high jump, which he finished after only four successful completions. The Indian para-athlete had every reason to be happy, even as the physical toll of his remarkable campaign was beginning to catch up with him.

Nishad cleared 2.04m to win gold in the men’s T47 high jump at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya on Tuesday, adding to the gold he won in the men’s T47 long jump on Monday. He became the third Indian to win two gold medals at a single edition of the Asian Para Games, joining middle distance runner Ankuru Dham and armless archer Sheetal Devi who achieved the feat in Hangzhou 2022.

“Very good. It feels really good. The body is tired now but the goal 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 performance in the high jump was a lesson in control. He cleared 1.88m, 1.94m, 1.98m and 2.02m on his first attempt before sailing over 2.04m to set a new Games record. He then attempted 2.06m but failed to clear the bar, ending his competition with the gold already secured.

Uzbekistan’s Muhammadabdullah Tursunjonov finished second with a best distance of 1.94m, while Thailand’s Angkarn Chanaboon took bronze with 1.75m. Nishad’s winning break was 10cm higher than the silver medalist’s.

NO ROOM FOR DOUBT

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

“Training was very good. The team was together, the results in training were positive and we had a positive mindset. There was no doubt at any stage. If we had any doubts we would have cleared them that day or the next day rather than let them drag,” he explained.

His approach on competition day was equally methodical. Rather than rush his preparations or let his nerves dictate his routine, Nishad and his team focused on getting every detail right, from leaving the hotel on time to starting the warm-up and arriving at the phone room on schedule.

“It’s important for us to do everything on time. Sometimes athletes get late to the warm-up and are nervous, trying to do everything in a hurry. This can hold their breath and waste energy,” he said.

“We make sure that every step is mastered on time. The warm-up should be relaxed, with enough rest and focus. We have a plan and follow the rules and regulations step by step. No step should be missed.”

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AT A GLANCE

After achieving the goal of the Asian Para Games, Nishad is already looking at his next challenge. The immediate satisfaction of winning two gold medals will take a back seat in preparation for next year’s World Championships, where he hopes to qualify and fight for another strong result.

“We are focused on the World Cup next year. If we qualify, the aim will be to succeed there as well. We will keep an eye on it and try our best,” he said.

It was clear to Nishad that success at the next level would require the same process approach that brought him two gold medals in Nagoya. Rather than promising a result, he wants to focus on performing at his best when the opportunity arises.

For now, however, the Indian can enjoy a memorable campaign. His right arm was severed in a grass cutting machine accident on the family farm in Amb, Himachal Pradesh when he was six. He won silver in the high jump at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and Paris 2024 before adding two gold medals from the Asian Para Games to his record.

A record height of 2.04m strengthened his position among India’s leading para-athletes. More importantly, Nishad leaves Nagoya with an immediate goal accomplished, his team celebrating, and a new challenge already on the horizon.

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