Nishad Kumar wins long jump gold on Asian Para Games debut, PM Modi hails 'versatility'
Synopsis
Known as a high jump champion with a Paralympics silver and a world title, Nishad Kumar showed up in Japan and won a long jump gold — on his Asian Para Games debut in the discipline, clearing 7.11 m. PM Modi called it 'even more special', and with the high jump still to come, Nishad could leave Nagoya with two golds.
Key Takeaways
Nishad Kumar won gold in the men's T47 long jump at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan on 19 October 2026 .
His winning best effort was 7.11 m , recorded twice during the final; the silver medallist's best was 6.99 m .
The gold was Nishad's debut in the long jump at the Asian Para Games; he only began competing in the event last year .
It is India's second gold of the Games.
PM Modi praised Nishad's 'versatility, determination and sporting excellence' in a post by the PMO India.
Nishad remains the defending champion in the men's T47 high jump and a two-time Paralympic silver medallist in that discipline.
Para-athlete Nishad Kumar clinched a gold medal in the men's T47 long jump at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Monday, 19 October 2026, with a best effort of 7.11 m — securing India's second gold of the Games on his debut in the event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi swiftly praised the achievement, saying he was 'very proud' of Nishad and calling the victory 'even more special' given it came in a discipline where the para-athlete has limited competitive experience.
A Commanding Performance at Mizuho Park
Nishad delivered a measured, progressive display at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium. He opened with 6.95 m before moving into the lead with 7.09 m on his second attempt. A 7.11 m effort in the third round extended his advantage, and despite a foul in round four, he matched that distance again in round five before closing with 7.07 m. The consistency left the rest of the field well behind.
Uzbekistan's Omadbek Khasanov pushed hardest, recording a season-best 6.99 m to take silver. Sri Lanka's Mohammadu Safran completed the podium with a best jump of 6.55 m.
PM Modi Praises Nishad's Versatility and Determination
The Prime Minister's Office posted Modi's tribute on social media platform X on Monday. 'Very proud of Nishad Kumar on winning Gold in the Men's Long Jump T47 event at the Asian Para Games 2026 with an outstanding jump. Winning a Gold on his debut in this event makes the achievement even more special. His versatility, determination and sporting excellence are truly inspiring. Wishing him the very best for the endeavours ahead,' Modi said.
From High Jump Specialist to Long Jump Champion
The gold is particularly striking given that Nishad Kumar is primarily a high jump specialist. He won silver at the Paris 2024 Paralympics in that discipline and holds a world championship gold in men's T47 high jump. He is also the defending Asian Para Games champion in the high jump — making him one of India's strongest medal hopes when that event begins.
Nishad only began exploring long jump competition last year and arrived in Japan with limited experience in the event. His gold in Aichi-Nagoya, achieved with a jump that was more than 12 cm clear of the silver medallist, underlines a rare athletic range.
What to Watch Next
With the high jump yet to come at the 2026 Asian Para Games, Nishad has a realistic prospect of a second gold in Nagoya. A title defence in his primary event would add further weight to what is already shaping up as a landmark Games for Indian para-athletics.
Point of View
But the institutional question is whether Indian para-sport's coaching and support structure is deliberately developing this kind of versatility, or simply benefiting from an outlier athlete's individual drive. With the high jump still ahead in Nagoya, a two-gold haul would put Nishad among India's most decorated Asian Para Games performers — and sharpen the argument for deeper investment in multi-event para-athletics.
NationPress
20 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Nishad Kumar win at the Asian Para Games 2026?
Nishad Kumar won the gold medal in the men's T47 long jump at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with a best jump of 7.11 m. It was his debut in the long jump at the Asian Para Games and secured India's second gold of the competition.
What did PM Modi say about Nishad Kumar's gold medal?
PM Modi said he was 'very proud' of Nishad Kumar, praising his 'versatility, determination and sporting excellence'. The Prime Minister noted that winning gold on his Asian Para Games debut in the event made the achievement 'even more special', in a post shared by the PMO India on Monday.
What is Nishad Kumar's main event in para-athletics?
Nishad Kumar is primarily a men's T47 high jump specialist. He won silver at the Paris 2024 Paralympics and holds a world championship gold in the discipline, and is the defending Asian Para Games champion in that event.
How did Nishad Kumar perform in the long jump final?
Nishad opened with 6.95 m, then led from his second attempt onward with 7.09 m, before posting his winning distance of 7.11 m in the third round. He matched that distance again in the fifth round despite a foul in the fourth, closing with 7.07 m.
Who finished second and third behind Nishad Kumar?
Uzbekistan's Omadbek Khasanov took silver with a season-best 6.99 m, while Sri Lanka's Mohammadu Safran claimed bronze with a best jump of 6.55 m.
