Nagoya, October 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s Nishad Kumar added another major achievement to his para-athletics career by winning gold in the men’s T47 long jump at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Monday. The two-time Paralympic silver medallist recorded a best effort of 7.11 metres at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium to secure India’s second gold medal of the Games.
Primarily known for his achievements in the high jump, Nishad made an impressive debut in the long jump at the continental event. His winning distance proved beyond the reach of his rivals, with the Indian recording 7.11 metres twice during the final.
Nishad began with a jump of 6.95 metres before moving into the lead with 7.09 metres in his second attempt. He extended his advantage with a 7.11-metre effort in the third round, followed by a foul in his fourth attempt. He matched his best distance in the fifth round before closing his campaign with a jump of 7.07 metres.
Uzbekistan’s Omadbek Khasanov mounted the closest challenge, recording a season-best 6.99 metres to claim silver. Sri Lanka’s Mohammadu Safran secured bronze with a best effort of 6.55 metres.
The victory was particularly significant given Nishad’s limited experience in the discipline. He began exploring the long jump last year and arrived in Japan with relatively little competitive exposure to the event. His performance in Aichi-Nagoya highlighted his versatility and ability to excel beyond his specialist discipline.
Nishad has established his reputation in the men’s T47 high jump, winning silver at the Paris 2024 Paralympics and a world championship gold in the event. He is also the defending Asian Para Games champion in the high jump, making him one of India’s key medal contenders in the discipline.
The 27-year-old will return to action in the men’s T47 high jump final on Tuesday, where he will aim to add another title to his collection.
His long jump gold has further strengthened India’s early campaign at the Games, following shooter Mona Agarwal’s victory in the women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event. With the high jump final still to come, Nishad will have another opportunity to add to his medal tally at the continental sporting event.
FOLLOW NOW
