Basant wins high jump silver; Shahnavaz bags bronze in long jump at U20 Athletics Worlds
Eugene, Aug 9
Basant won silver in the men's high jump at the U20 Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, equalling his personal best jump of 2.21m. The 19-year-old from Ganganagar, Rajasthan, became the first Indian to win a high jump medal at any world-level event.
Basant first sailed over 2.06m, followed by 2.12m and 2.17m; then a huge 2.21m was enough to place him firmly on the podium. The top three men shared that 2.21m height, but Basant's clutch clearances held strong on countback to secure silver. Alegeria's Younes Ayachi took the gold while Britain's Otis Poole pocketed the bronze.
Meanwhile, Shahnavaz Khan bagged the bronze in the men's long jump with a best jump of 7.84m to win the first world-level medal by an Indian men's long jumper.
Trailing early, Shahnavaz dug deep with a monster 7.84m in round 3, then backed it up with 7.83m in round 5 to hold his nerve and his podium place against the world's best.
Italy's Inzoli, with a best effort of 7.97m, clinched the gold, while the silver went to Australia's McGroder (7.96m).
This is now India's third medal of the ongoing championship, following Ashish Yadav's silver in the javelin throw on Friday.
"With this, the Indians matched their best-ever performance at the U20 World Athletics Championships in 2021 with a total of three medals, and can register their best-ever medal haul with one day to go before the event concludes."
Earlier, India's women's 4×400m quartet of Bhoomika Nehate, Tahura Khatun, Tanu Chaudhary and Thiya Arumugam made it to the final after finising in top three of their heat, clocking 3:39.53, behind USA (3:32.66) and Australia (3:33.68 season's best).
Bhoomika set the tone with a fearless lead-off (55.81). Tahura kept India in the fight (54.54) while Tanu unleashed a blistering third leg to power the charge (53.87) and Thiya Arumugam brought it home under pressure (55.31).
On Saturday, Ashish opened India's medal account, winning a silver medal in javelin throw event. The 19-year-old Ashish Yadav from Uttar Pradesh became the first thrower to bag a U20 World medal since Neeraj Chopra did it in 2016.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Wonderful news! Three medals at U20 Worlds is no joke. These youngsters from small towns like Ganganagar and villages in UP are proving that with right support, we can compete with the world. Need more grassroots investment in athletics sectors.
Take a bow Basant! The clutch clearances in high jump pressure moments is something special. And Shahnavaz showing great nerve with the monster jump in round 3. We are seeing the Neeraj Chopra effect - more young Indians dreaming big in athletics!
Incredible performance from the Indian contingent at Eugene! Basant's high jump silver and Shahnavaz's long jump bronze show the depth of athletic talent emerging from India. The 4x400m women's relay team also looking sharp for the final.
As someone following Indian athletics closely, this is a brilliant sign. Three medals already and a day left - these are the youngsters who will represent us at 2028 Olympics. The relay team qualifying with a strong run is another highlight. Kudos to the entire support staff!
Impressive weekend for India at the U20 Worlds. Basant showing nerves of steel for silver and the women's relay team setting up a strong final. With Ashish's javelin silver too, this generation is building on Neeraj Chopra's legacy.
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