Long Jumper Shahnavaz Eyes Asian Games Medal, High Jumper Basant Rues U20 Gold Miss

Young Indian long jumper Shahnavaz Khan is targeting an Asian Games medal after creating history at the World Athletics U20 Championships, while high jumper Basant Kumar Meghwal is determined to build on his silver-medal finish at the global junior event.

The 18-year-old Shahnavaz became the first Indian long jumper to win a medal at the U20 Worlds, claiming bronze in Eugene, USA, last week with a 7.84m jump. However, the effort was below his personal best of 8.30m, which he set earlier this year.

Shahnavaz said a left calf cramp and heel pain affected his performance after his third attempt. He described the problem as minor and expects to compete in the Indian Athletics Final Series in New Delhi on September 10.

His focus is now on the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, where he wants to better his 8.30m personal best and win a medal. The Uttar Pradesh athlete is the national U20 record holder and reigning Asian U20 champion. He also trains alongside senior star Murali Sreeshankar, who helps him correct technical errors.

Shahnavaz's journey has been shaped by hardship. His father, taxi driver Naseemudin, died of cancer in 2018 when Shahnavaz was 10, after which his national-level athlete uncles helped guide his career.

Meanwhile, Basant Kumar Meghwal became the first Indian to win silver in the men's high jump at the U20 Worlds after clearing a personal-best 2.21m. He missed all three attempts at 2.24m, with Algeria's Younes Ayachi taking gold on countback.

Coached by former national record holder Sahana Kumari, Basant has improved his best by 10cm this season. His father, Gangaram, borrowed money to fund his training, but Basant said the family has now repaid the loans after he joined the Indian Navy last year.

The 19-year-old hopes to clear 2.27m-2.29m over the next one or two years.