Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Sept 27: India began its campaign at the World Para Athletics Championships on a golden note, as Shailesh Kumar clinched the country’s first gold medal, while fellow high jumper Varun Singh Bhati secured a bronze, giving the hosts a double podium finish on the opening day.

Competing in the men’s high jump T63 event, Shailesh delivered a sensational performance, clearing a personal best of 1.91 metres in the T42 category to smash both the Championship and Asian records. His winning jump placed him ahead of reigning Paralympic champion Ezra Frech of the United States, who took silver.

Shailesh Kumar (left) and Varun Singh Bhati

Frech and Bhati both recorded a best clearance of 1.85 metres, but the American was awarded silver on countback,

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