Meghwal makes history by securing silver in high jump, while Shahnavaz clinches bronze in long jump.

In a historic achievement for Indian athletics, Basant Kumar Meghwal and Shahnavaz Khan secured medals at the World Athletics U20 Championships held in Eugene, Oregon. Meghwal made headlines by becoming the first Indian to win a medal in the high jump at this prestigious event, while Khan added a bronze in the long jump, marking a significant day for Indian sports on August 8, 2026.

The 19-year-old Meghwal, hailing from Anupgarh in Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar district, showcased his talent by clearing a personal best height of 2.21 meters to clinch the silver medal in the men’s high jump. Competing for the Indian Navy, Meghwal's remarkable performance came on the fourth day of the championships. The gold medal was awarded to Algeria’s Younes Ayachi, who also cleared 2.21 meters but did so on his first attempt. Great Britain's Otis Poole secured the bronze, having cleared the same height on his third attempt. All three athletes faced challenges in their attempts to surpass 2.24 meters, leading to the final standings being determined by countback rules based on their earlier jumps.

Coached by Sahana Kumari, a former national record holder in women’s high jump, Meghwal has made impressive strides this season, improving his personal best from 2.11 meters to 2.21 meters. His achievement not only highlights his potential but also sets a new benchmark for future Indian athletes in the high jump category.

Shahnavaz Khan, an 18-year-old athlete, contributed to India's medal tally by securing a bronze in the men’s long jump with a best effort of 7.84 meters. His performance was marked by a series of jumps that included 7.67 meters, 7.72 meters, and his best jump of 7.84 meters, achieved on his third attempt. R.C. Jithin Arjunan also represented India in the final, finishing eighth with a jump of 7.59 meters. The gold medal in this event went to Italy’s Daniele Inzoli, who jumped 7.97 meters, while Australia’s Mason McGroder took silver with a personal best of 7.96 meters.

India's medal journey at the championships began a day earlier when Ashish Yadav won silver in the men’s javelin throw, becoming only the second Indian to achieve this feat after Neeraj Chopra. Chopra expressed his pride in Yadav's accomplishment, calling it “just the start” for the young athlete. With these performances, India has made a significant mark at the World U20 Championships, showcasing the country's growing prowess in athletics.