Para-athlete Nishad Kumar from Una, Himachal Pradesh, has achieved a remarkable double gold medal victory at the ongoing Asian Para Games in Japan, excelling in both the high jump and long jump events. This latest triumph further cements his reputation as one of India’s premier para-athletes on the international stage.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that Kumar’s versatility in securing top honours across two distinct disciplines has drawn widespread admiration, including from his childhood coach, Naseem Ahmad, who expressed astonishment at the long jump gold.
Kumar’s previous international successes include silver medals at the 2020 and 2024 Paralympics, and a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games. His performances have consistently placed him among the elite competitors in para-athletics, with his recent double gold in Japan underscoring his sustained excellence.
Naseem Ahmad, who coached Kumar for several years in his formative period at the Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex in Panchkula, described the achievement as incredible. He noted that excelling in two separate events at such a high level is a rare feat, highlighting Kumar’s current peak performance and the pride he has brought to his coaches and community.
The gold medal in the long jump was particularly surprising to Ahmad, given Kumar’s primary specialization in the high jump. While Kumar had trained extensively for high jump throughout his career and had participated in the long jump only sporadically at national-level competitions, his victory in the latter event was deemed remarkable.
Ahmad, who also mentored India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, reflected on Kumar’s upbringing in a modest family in Una. Kumar lost a hand in a machine accident at the age of seven. Despite this significant physical challenge, he pursued athletics during his school years, receiving encouragement from his parents who supported his sporting aspirations despite financial constraints.
Following the completion of his schooling, Kumar’s parents brought him to Panchkula in 2016 to train under Ahmad, seeking opportunities for him in para-sports. Ahmad recalled being initially impressed by Kumar’s stature, standing at approximately six feet four inches. His subsequent dedication and disciplined approach quickly affirmed his potential as an athlete.
The coach further elaborated on Kumar’s attributes, describing him as a highly diligent and focused individual. Within three years of dedicated training, Kumar began to achieve significant results, a trajectory of improvement he has maintained to the present day. This consistent progress has been a hallmark of his athletic career.
In recognition of his achievements, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, extended his congratulations to Nishad Kumar. The Chief Minister characterized Kumar’s performance at the Asian Para Games as a moment of immense pride for Himachal Pradesh and for the nation as a whole, acknowledging the athlete’s contribution to India’s sporting accolades.
The Chenab Times News Desk