India has made a sensational start at the World Para Athletics Championships, securing a gold, a silver, and a bronze medal on the very first day. The opening day also saw several global para-sporting icons reaffirm their dominance.
Shailesh Kumar, a high jumper who earned a silver in the 2023 edition, surpassed his previous achievement. He not only brought home India’s first gold but also established a new championship record in the T42 category with an astounding jump of 1.91 meters.
In a combined T42 and T63 category event, Shailesh faced formidable competition, including the USA’s rising star and Paris Paralympic champion, Ezra Frech, who ultimately secured second place with a 1.85m jump. Meanwhile, veteran athlete Varun Singh Bhati made a remarkable comeback after an eight-year hiatus from the global stage, earning a bronze medal with a 1.85m jump, a true testament to his perseverance.
The 25-year-old Shailesh, a former World Junior Para champion, showed incredible form. Despite finishing fourth in Paris previously, he was unstoppable today, even attempting a 1.94m jump, though he didn’t quite achieve it. He expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, “That was the target we had been training for, but I am happy with my performance. Next time,” a clear sign of his ambition.
Closing the day with another stellar performance, defending champion Deepthi Jeevanji secured a silver medal in the 400m T20 category, clocking 55.16 seconds. She finished just behind Turkiye’s Aysel Onder, who shattered her own world record with an incredible time of 54.51 seconds. India’s strong start follows a remarkable 2024 performance where the nation bagged 17 medals, including six golds.
Elsewhere on the track, Brazil’s Petrucio Ferreira continued his remarkable reign, clinching the 100m T47 title in 10.66 seconds. This victory marks his fifth World Championship gold, adding to an already impressive collection. Widely recognized as the world’s fastest para athlete, Ferreira has remained undefeated since 2016, consistently winning Paralympic and World titles since his triumphant run in Rio.
In the women’s events, China’s world record holder Xiaoyan Wen showcased her undisputed leadership in the long jump T37 category. She secured a gold medal by setting a new championship record with an impressive leap of 5.32 meters.
Day One Results Highlights:
Men’s Events:
- 100m T71: Artur Krzyzek (Poland) — 21.19s
- 100m T47: Petrucio Ferreira (Brazil) — 10.66s
- 5000m T11: Kenya Karasawa with guides Shimizu and Horikoshi (Japan) — 15:23.38
- Long Jump T11: Di Dongdong (China) — 6.92m
- Shot Put F37: Albert Khinchagov (NPA) — 16.55m (Manu, India, finished 9th with 13.43m)
- High Jump T63: Shailesh Kumar (India) — 1.91m (New Championship Record), Ezra Frech (USA) — 1.85m, Varun Singh Bhati (India) — 1.85m
Women’s Events:
- 100m T71: Thekra Alkaabi (UAE) — 19.89s
- 400m T20: Aysel Onder (Turkiye) — 54.51s (New World Record), Deepthi Jeevanji (India) — 55.16s
- Shot Put F41: Mayerli Buitrago Ariza (Colombia) — 10.21m
- Shot Put F36: Cheyenne Bouthoorn (Netherlands) — 9.62m
- Long Jump T37: Xiaoyan Wen (China) — 5.32m (New Championship Record)
- Javelin Throw F46: Noelle Roorda (Netherlands) — 43.74m (Bhavanaben Chaudhary, India, finished 8th with 35.34m)