Kushare becomes first Indian to win silver in men’s high jump in Commonwealth Games
First Indian Silver in Men’s High Jump: Kushare’s Historic Commonwealth Games Achievement
Bharatmorningnews.com – Sarvesh Kushare has made history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win a silver medal in the men’s high jump at the Commonwealth Games. The 31-year-old national record holder delivered a stunning performance in Glasgow, securing India’s maiden podium finish in this event. His achievement marks a significant milestone for Indian athletics, as he became the first Indian to reach the second step of the podium in the men’s high jump competition at the multi-sport event.
Kushare cleared 2.25 meters to secure his place on the podium in a thrilling final. Jamaica’s Romaine Beckford claimed the gold medal through countback procedure after both athletes cleared the same height but Beckford had fewer failures. England’s Jack Kimani finished third to complete the podium. The competition showcased exceptional talent from across the Commonwealth nations, with Kushare’s silver medal representing a breakthrough moment for Indian high jump.
Surpassing Previous Records
Before Kushare’s remarkable achievement, Tejaswin Shankar remained India’s only high jump medalist at the Commonwealth Games, having won bronze at the 2022 Birmingham edition. Kushare’s silver medal performance surpassed this previous best, establishing a new benchmark for Indian athletes in this discipline. The achievement came as a pleasant surprise for many, given that Kushare had not been among the favorites heading into the competition.
Tejaswin Shankar also competed in the same event but withdrew after failing to clear 2.05 meters on his opening attempt. This strategic decision was made to conserve energy for the men’s decathlon, which begins on Thursday. The 27-year-old has focused primarily on decathlon training over the past two years, with a personal best of 2.29 meters in the high jump. His withdrawal allowed him to prioritize his main event while Kushare seized the opportunity to make history.
From Village to Global Stage
Kushare’s journey from Devargaon village in Maharashtra’s Nashik district to international glory is truly inspiring. His father, who serves as his childhood coach, built improvised training facilities using corn husks, cotton, and agricultural waste to create landing pits. Growing up as the son of an onion farmer, Kushare demonstrated remarkable dedication and resourcefulness in pursuing his athletic dreams.
Earlier this month, Kushare made headlines by becoming the first Indian high jumper to reach the podium at a Diamond League competition. He secured third place in Monaco, clearing 2.26 meters to match his personal best. This achievement joined an elite group of four Indian athletes who have reached the podium at Diamond League events, alongside javelin champion Neeraj Chopra, long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, and former discus thrower Vikas Gowda.
His recent form has been exceptional, with Kushare setting a national record of 2.31 meters while winning gold at the National Inter-State Championships in Bhubaneswar. This performance demonstrated his readiness for international competition and set the stage for his Commonwealth Games success. The national record-breaking jump showcased his potential to compete at the highest level against world-class athletes.
Steady Progress Through the Years
Known as a late bloomer, Kushare entered his first national competition at nearly 20 years old during the 2014 Junior Championships. His breakthrough came in 2018 when he won gold at the Indian Open with a jump of 2.24 meters. He improved this mark to 2.26 meters to claim victory at the 2019 Indian Open, showing consistent development in his technique and performance.
His progression continued with a 2.27-meter gold at the 2022 Gujarat National Games. After two years without significant improvement, he jumped 2.18 meters to finish sixth at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. This performance marked him as the first Indian to qualify for the men’s high jump final at the World Championships, demonstrating his ability to compete on the global stage.
Kushare’s achievement represents not just personal success but a new chapter for Indian athletics. His journey from rural Maharashtra to becoming the first Indian silver medalist in men’s high jump at the Commonwealth Games inspires young athletes across the nation.