New Delhi, August 9: Athletes from the Indian Navy delivered an impressive performance at the ‘World Athletics U20 Championship 2026’, securing medals in various events. The championship took place in Eugene, Oregon, from August 5 to 9. Basant Kumar Meghwal clinched a silver medal in the men’s high jump, while Shah Nawaz Khan earned a bronze medal in the men’s long jump. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the athletes on their remarkable achievements.
In a post on the social media platform X, the Defense Minister expressed, “A proud moment for Indian sports as our young athletes excelled on the global stage. Basant’s historic medal – the first for India in high jump at the World Championship – and Shah Nawaz’s bronze medal exemplify the dedication, discipline, and fighting spirit of our defense forces. Their performance serves as an inspiration for every young athlete across the nation.”
Basant Kumar Meghwal secured second place in the U20 championship with a jump of 2.21 meters. He successfully cleared heights of 2.06 meters, 2.12 meters, and 2.17 meters before achieving the impressive jump of 2.21 meters, solidifying his position on the podium. With this achievement, Basant became the first Indian high jumper to win a medal at any age group World Athletics Championship.
The top three athletes cleared the height of 2.21 meters, but based on the ‘countback’ rule, Basant claimed the silver medal. Algeria’s Younes Ayachi took home the gold medal, while Britain’s Otis Poole secured the bronze.
Meanwhile, Shah Nawaz Khan won the bronze medal in the men’s long jump with a leap of 7.84 meters. He achieved this impressive jump on his third attempt and solidified his podium finish with a jump of 7.83 meters on his fifth attempt. Italy’s Inzoli won gold with a jump of 7.97 meters, while Australia’s McGroder claimed silver with a leap of 7.96 meters.
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