Basant Meghwal Makes History with High Jump Silver, Shahnavaz Takes Long Jump Bronze

India enjoyed a memorable day at the World Athletics U20 Championships as Basant Kumar Meghwal created history by becoming the country’s first high jump medallist at the competition, while Shahnavaz Khan secured bronze in the men’s long jump.

The 19-year-old Meghwal, from Anupgarh in Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar district, cleared a personal-best 2.21m to win silver in the men’s high jump on the fourth day of the championships on Saturday. Representing the Indian Navy, Meghwal matched the height cleared by gold medallist Younes Ayachi of Algeria and bronze winner Otis Poole of Great Britain.

With all three athletes failing to clear 2.24m in their three attempts, the final positions were decided through countback. Ayachi cleared 2.21m on his first attempt, Meghwal on his second and Poole on his third.

Meghwal’s achievement marked the first high jump medal for India at the World U20 Championships. Coached by former Indian women’s high jump national record holder Sahana Kumari, he has improved his personal best by 10cm this season, progressing from 2.11m to 2.21m.

India’s medal tally increased further when 18-year-old Shahnavaz Khan won bronze in the men’s long jump with a best effort of 7.84m. He registered the mark on his third attempt after opening with 7.67m and then jumping 7.72m.

Italy’s Daniele Inzoli won gold with 7.97m, while Australia’s Mason McGroder claimed silver with a personal best of 7.96m. India’s R.C. Jithin Arjunan finished eighth with 7.59m.

India had opened its medal campaign on Friday with Ashish Yadav’s silver in the men’s javelin throw. Yadav became only the second Indian after Neeraj Chopra to win a silver medal in the event at the World U20 Championships. Chopra congratulated the youngster, describing the achievement as “just the start.”

With Meghwal’s historic silver and Shahnavaz’s bronze, India moved to three medals at the championships, underlining the country’s growing strength in junior athletics.