Basant wins high jump silver, Shahnavaz takes long jump bronze at U20 Athletics Worlds
Synopsis
India produced two historic firsts in a single session at the U20 World Athletics Championships in Eugene: Basant became the first Indian to win a high jump medal at any world-level event, and Shahnavaz Khan claimed the first world-level medal by an Indian men's long jumper — taking India's tally to three, matching their all-time best at this championship with a day still to go.
Key Takeaways
Basant , 19, from Ganganagar, Rajasthan , won silver in men's high jump at 2.21m — the first high jump world medal by any Indian.
Shahnavaz Khan claimed bronze in men's long jump with 7.84m — the first world-level medal by an Indian men's long jumper.
Gold in high jump went to Algeria's Younes Ayachi ; gold in long jump went to Italy's Inzoli (7.97m) .
India's women's 4×400m relay quartet qualified for the final, clocking 3:39.53 in their heat.
Ashish Yadav's javelin silver on Saturday made him the first Indian thrower to win a U20 World medal since Neeraj Chopra in 2016 .
India's three-medal tally matches their best-ever U20 Worlds performance ( 2021 ), with one day remaining.
Basant claimed a historic silver medal in the men's high jump at the U20 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, on 9 August, equalling his personal best of 2.21m to become the first Indian to win a high jump medal at any world-level event. Hours later, Shahnavaz Khan added a bronze in the men's long jump with a best effort of 7.84m — the first world-level medal by an Indian men's long jumper — taking India's championship tally to three medals.
Basant's Historic High Jump Silver
The 19-year-old from Ganganagar, Rajasthan, cleared 2.06m, 2.12m, 2.17m, and then a decisive 2.21m to lock in his podium place. With all three finalists sharing the same height of 2.21m, the medal standings were decided on countback — and Basant's clean clearances gave him the edge for silver. Algeria's Younes Ayachi took gold, while Britain's Otis Poole finished with bronze.
Shahnavaz Khan's Long Jump Bronze
Shahnavaz entered the final trailing the leaders but produced a 7.84m jump in round 3 — his best of the competition — and followed it with 7.83m in round 5 to hold his nerve and secure third place. Italy's Inzoli claimed gold with 7.97m, while Australia's McGroder took silver with 7.96m. Shahnavaz's medal is the first at world level by an Indian men's long jumper.
India's Relay Quarter in the Final
India's women's 4×400m relay team also advanced to the final after finishing in the top three of their heat, clocking 3:39.53 — behind the USA (3:32.66) and Australia (3:33.68). The quartet of Bhoomika Nehate, Tahura Khatun, Tanu Chaudhary, and Thiya Arumugam delivered a composed run: Nehate led off in 55.81, Khatun held firm in 54.54, Chaudhary powered the third leg in 53.87, and Arumugam anchored in 55.31.
India Matches Best-Ever U20 Worlds Haul
The double-medal day follows Ashish Yadav's silver in the javelin throw on Saturday, where the 19-year-old from Uttar Pradesh became the first Indian thrower to win a U20 World medal since Neeraj Chopra did so in 2016. India's three-medal tally matches their best-ever performance at the U20 World Athletics Championships, set in 2021. With one day of competition remaining, the contingent has an opportunity to set a new national record at this event.
Point of View
And their performances in Eugene deserve more than footnote coverage. The relay qualification adds a team dimension that is often overlooked. If India finishes with four or more medals, it will be a structural moment for the sport, not just a feel-good headline.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Basant and what did he achieve at the U20 World Athletics Championships?
Basant is a 19-year-old high jumper from Ganganagar, Rajasthan, who won silver at the U20 World Athletics Championships in Eugene on 9 August by clearing 2.21m — equalling his personal best. He is the first Indian athlete to win a high jump medal at any world-level event.
What was Shahnavaz Khan's performance in the long jump?
Shahnavaz Khan won bronze in the men's long jump with a best effort of 7.84m, produced in round 3, and backed up with 7.83m in round 5. It is the first world-level medal by an Indian men's long jumper.
How many medals has India won at the 2025 U20 World Athletics Championships?
India has won three medals: Ashish Yadav's silver in javelin throw on Saturday, Basant's silver in high jump, and Shahnavaz Khan's bronze in long jump on 9 August. This matches India's best-ever tally at the U20 Worlds, set in 2021.
Did India's women's relay team qualify for the final?
Yes. The women's 4×400m quartet of Bhoomika Nehate, Tahura Khatun, Tanu Chaudhary, and Thiya Arumugam qualified for the final by finishing in the top three of their heat with a time of 3:39.53, behind the USA and Australia.
Who was the last Indian thrower to win a U20 World Athletics medal before Ashish Yadav?
Neeraj Chopra was the last Indian thrower to win a U20 World Athletics medal, which he did in 2016. Ashish Yadav's javelin silver on Saturday ended a nine-year wait for that milestone.
