NEW DELHI: Nishad Kumar (25), a resident of Badaun village in Andaura gram panchayat of Amb tehsil in Una district has brought laurels to the country by winning the silver medal in the men’s high jump (T47) category at the Paralympics being held in Paris. He is the only Indian to have won silver medals in two successive Paralympics, the first one being the 2020 Tokyo games.
Nishad’s father Rashpal Singh is an agriculturist and his mother Pushpa Devi is a housewife. His younger sister Rama Devi was also elated at her brother’s achievement of securing the second position with a jump of 2.04m. She said that she had talked to Nishad after his win. He was happy with the achievement, but was expecting to win the gold medal. She said Nishad had achieved a jump of 2.14m in the games held in Gujarat a few months ago, but had not fully recovered from the knee injury he had suffered some time ago. His father said Nishad would be given a grand welcome at the inter-state entry gate at Mehtpur.
A recipient of the Arjuna Award, Nishad had won the bronze medal in the men’s T47 high jump category at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai, a gold medal at the 2021 World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai, and a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou, China.
Nishad had accidentally severed his arm while working on a grass chaff cutter machine at his home during his youth. His mother, who was a district level athlete, inspired him to take to sports. Nishad soon overcame his physical challenge and worked towards excelling in sports.
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri congratulated Nishad Kumar and his family. Sukhu said it was a proud moment for the state and Nishad has proved that no goal is impossible with hard work and determination. His achievement is going to inspire the youth of the state.
Mukesh Agnihotri said Nishad has made the country and the state proud by winning the silver medal. The state government is committed to provide all possible help to the players so that they can bring glory to the country at the international level.
Una Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal and the entire administrative staff expressed happiness over the achievement. He added that this will inspire the youth of the state to move towards their goal even in difficult circumstances.