Nagoya (Japan): India’s Nishad Kumar clinched gold in the men’s T47 long jump at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya on Monday, October 19, securing the country’s second gold medal at the event with a best effort of 7.11 metres.

The two-time Paralympic silver medallist delivered a commanding performance, recording the winning distance twice during the final. He opened with a jump of 6.95 metres before improving to 7.09 metres in his second attempt to take the lead.

Nishad extended his advantage with a 7.11-metre effort in the third round. After recording a foul in his fourth attempt, the Indian athlete bounced back in the final two rounds, matching his best distance of 7.11 metres before finishing with 7.07 metres.

Despite long jump being his secondary event, Nishad dominated the competition to secure the top spot on the podium.

Uzbekistan’s Omadbek Khasanov claimed silver with a season-best jump of 6.99 metres, while Sri Lanka’s Mohammadu Safran secured bronze with a best effort of 6.55 metres.

Nishad’s victory added to India’s encouraging start at the Asian Para Games, with the country producing strong performances across several disciplines.

Earlier in the day, Indian shooters Mona Agarwal and Avani Lekhara finished first and second respectively in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 qualification round. Agarwal scored 629.1 points to establish a new Asian Para Games qualification record, while Lekhara registered 626.4 points.

India also enjoyed a promising start in para-archery, with Sheetal Devi matching the world record in the women’s compound qualification round with 704 points out of 720.

The performances have strengthened India’s medal prospects as the competition continues in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.