Nishad Kumar, a 24-year-old Indian para-athlete and double Paralympic silver medallist, is preparing to compete at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi this September. With a decorated career that includes three World Championships medals and a growing national profile, Nishad is a leading figure in India’s para sports movement.
Officials and the Paralympic Committee of India express strong confidence in his medal prospects as the country hosts its largest ever para athletics event. Nishad’s home-ground participation is highly anticipated, energising fans and representing India’s strength in para athletics.
Nishad’s Achievements and Journey
Nishad Kumar, competing in the T47 high jump category for athletes with unilateral upper limb impairment, has steadily established himself as one of India’s brightest para athletics stars. Born in Himachal Pradesh, Nishad lost his right hand in a childhood accident, but began para athletics early and showed remarkable talent and perseverance. His international breakthrough came with a bronze at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships.
Since then, he has won two silver medals at the Paralympics – Tokyo 2020 (2.06m) and Paris 2024 (2.04m) – narrowly missing gold to American rival Roderick Townsend, a dominant figure in the event. Nishad also clinched gold at the 2022 Asian Para Games and earned multiple medals at World Para Athletics Grand Prix meets. His personal best jump stands at 2.14m achieved in 2022 in Gujarat.
Nishad’s training has evolved significantly over recent years, moving from self-coached routines in India to professional guidance in the United States under coach Jeremy Fisher. This strategic shift has improved his technique and competitive consistency.
Despite a visible disappointment at Paris 2024 for not exceeding his personal best, Nishad remains motivated. Officials like Paralympic Committee of India President Devendra Jhajharia have praised Nishad’s focus and determination and expressed optimism for the upcoming championships.
India’s Largest Para Athletics Gathering
The 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, promises to be the biggest para sports event ever hosted in India, with over 2200 athletes from 104 nations competing. Nishad joins a strong Indian contingent led by star para javelin thrower Sumit Antil and others. Haryana leads with the largest number of athletes, reflecting increased regional and national investment in para sports infrastructure and talent development. The event not only represents a competitive milestone but also signals India’s rising status in global para athletics and its commitment to inclusivity.
This championship is a platform for Indian para athletes to showcase their talents on home soil, inspire a new generation, and deepen public engagement with para sports. As Nishad prepares to leap before a supportive home crowd, hopes are high both for podium finishes and the broader awareness such visibility brings to differently-abled athletes.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Nishad Kumar’s inspiring journey from rural Himachal Pradesh to the global para athletics stage encapsulates resilience, determination, and progress. His representation in the 2025 World Championships underlines how sports can transcend physical challenges and societal barriers.
The Logical Indian celebrates this spirit and stresses the importance of sustained support, infrastructure, and recognition for para athletes. This moment calls for deeper reflection on how inclusive sports cultures can grow further in India, ensuring that athletes like Nishad gain equal opportunities and appreciation.
