Sarvesh Kushare, 30, from Maharashtra and a proud Indian Army personnel, etched his name in history by becoming the first Indian high jumper to qualify for the final of the World Athletics Championships held in Tokyo in 2025. He finished 6th in the final with a personal best leap of 2.28 metres, surpassing his previous best of 2.27 metres set in 2022.
This remarkable feat placed him among the global elite, narrowly missing the national record of 2.29 metres held by Tejaswin Shankar. Kushare cleared 2.28m on his third attempt and competed fiercely against top athletes, including Olympic champion Hamish Kerr, who won gold with 2.36m.
His coach, Justin Thomas, credited improvements in technique and dedication for this breakthrough, while officials hailed Kushare’s performance as a milestone for Indian athletics.
From Humble Beginnings to World Stage
Born in Deogaon, near Nashik in Maharashtra, Kushare’s journey to the world stage is a story of perseverance. Early training took place on makeshift landing mats filled with corn husk, cotton, and old clothes due to lack of proper facilities.
Initially using the scissors technique, Kushare transitioned to the modern Fosbury Flop after overcoming fears of landing awkwardly, thanks to encouragement from his childhood coach Raosaheb Jadhav. Coming from a family of onion farmers, Kushare’s rise is a testament to sheer willpower, with his father initially wishing for a conventional career for him.
His sporting career gained momentum after joining the Indian Army in 2016, which provided better infrastructure and financial stability. With his Army salary, Kushare bought his first pair of professional high jump spikes, marking a symbolic step for his career.
Kushare’s journey is marked by relentless self-discipline and adapting innovative training techniques provided by the Indian Army, including strength conditioning and mental toughness exercises that boosted his competitive edge globally.
Steady Progress and National Success
Kushare’s steady ascent includes competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics and winning gold at the 2025 India Open in Bengaluru, where he defeated the country’s top high jumper Tejaswin Shankar.
He also won a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships, jumping 2.26m. Prior to the Tokyo World Championships, Kushare was ranked 38th globally but defied odds to qualify among the top 13 for the finals in Tokyo, boosting India’s presence in technical field events at major global meets.
His consistent improvements demonstrate the positive impact of enhanced training programs and support for Indian athletes.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Sarvesh Kushare’s triumph symbolizes the power of persistence, humility, and dedicated effort in the face of limited resources and challenges. It highlights how effective support systems, including the Indian Army’s initiatives, can elevate native talent to international stages.
The Logical Indian views Kushare’s success as a beacon encouraging a more nurturing sports culture focused on equal opportunity, infrastructure, and mentorship. His journey reminds us that with perseverance and community support, Indian athletes can claim their positions among world-class performers.
" Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai!!! 🚩”
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) September 16, 2025
– Sarvesh Kushare after he clears a Personal Best of 2.28m at World Athletics C'ship 2025! pic.twitter.com/vsTTyLC2c2
