India Shine At U20 Athletics Worlds As Basant, Shahnavaz Claim Medals

Basant delivered a historic performance by taking the silver medal in the men’s high jump at the U20 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

The 19-year-old from Rajasthan’s Ganganagar cleared 2.21m, matching his personal best and becoming the first Indian athlete to win a high jump medal at a world-level competition. He entered the competition confidently, clearing heights of 2.06m, 2.12m and 2.17m before successfully negotiating 2.21m.

Three competitors reached 2.21m, but Basant secured second place through the countback system after producing stronger clearance attempts.

Algeria’s Younes Ayachi took the gold medal, while Britain’s Otis Poole finished with bronze.

Shahnavaz Khan followed Basant’s achievement by earning bronze in the men’s long jump with a best mark of 7.84m. His podium finish also created history, making him the first Indian men’s long jumper to capture a medal at a world-level competition.

Shahnavaz recovered impressively after a difficult start and unleashed his best jump of 7.84m in the third round. He maintained his challenge with a 7.83m effort in round five, which helped him remain among the medal winners.

The double podium finish lifted India’s medal tally to three at the ongoing championships.

Ashish Yadav had earlier opened India’s account by claiming silver in the javelin throw on Friday.

With three medals already secured, India has matched its previous best performance at the U20 World Athletics Championships, achieved in 2021.

The Indian contingent will have one more day to surpass that record.

India’s women’s 4x400m relay team secured a place in the final. The team finished among the top three in its qualifying heat.

Bhoomika Nehate, Tahura Khatun, Tanu Chaudhary and Thiya Arumugam completed the race in 3:39.53.

The United States won the heat in 3:32.66, while Australia finished second in 3:33.68.

Bhoomika gave India a strong start with a 55.81-second opening leg, followed by Tahura’s 54.54. Tanu then produced a 53.87-second third leg, while Thiya completed the final leg in 55.31 seconds.

Also Read: Sher-e-Punjab T20 League Names Gill, Abhishek And Arshdeep Among Top Players