Nishad Kumar has secured a silver medal in the high jump T47 category at the Paris Paralympics. He recorded a season best height of 2.04m.
This is Nishad's second consecutive medal at the Paralympics as he also secured a silver in Tokyo with a jump of 2.06m. Nishad's medal happens to be India's third in the Para-athletics and it has taken India's total tally to seven in Paris so far.
Nishad also etched his name in the history books as he became the youngest Indian Paralympian to secure consecutive medals in successive Paralympics. Nishad lost his right hand in a grass-cutting machine accident when he was six-year-old.
In the 200m T35 category, Preethi Pal won bronze with a personal best time of 30.01 seconds, making history as the first Indian woman track and field athlete to win two medals at the Paralympics.
Preethi, 23, also made history by being just the second Indian woman to win two medals at the same Paralympics, both bronze, after shooter Avani Lekhara, who took home two gold and one bronze from Tokyo three years prior.
T47 is meant for competitors with a below elbow or wrist amputation or impairment.
Nishad, who had also won a silver in the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago with a jump of 2.06m, had a tough fight with world record holder and defending champion Townsend Roderick of the USA, who clinched the gold after clearing 2.12m.
Nishad's journey has been marked by resilience and determination. Inspired by his mother, a state-level volleyball player and discus thrower, he pursued his passion for sports with unwavering commitment.
He began playing wrestling and athletics, before specialising in javelin throw. In 2017, he received professional coaching and made his international debut at the Asian Youth Para Games, where he won a gold medal.
(With PTI inputs)