Basant Meghwal creates history with silver, Shahnavaz wins bronze at U20 World Athletics Championships
New Delhi: India’s Basant Kumar Meghwal scripted history by clinching the silver medal in the men’s high jump at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, on Saturday, August 8. The 19-year-old from Anupgarh (Rajasthan) delivered a best effort of 2.21m, becoming India’s first high jumper to win a medal at the World Athletics U20 Championships.
Meghwal fought hard for a podium finish alongside other competitors. The three of them managed to clear the 2.21m mark, but failed to go past 2.24m. They failed to clear the height in three attempts, with the medals ultimately decided by a countback based on their attempts at the previous height.
Algeria’s Younes Ayachi won the gold medal after clearing 2.21m on his first attempt. Meghwal bagged the silver by clearing the same height on his second attempt, while Great Britain’s Otis Poole settled for the bronze medal after taking three attempts to clear 2.21m.
The silver medal caps a breakthrough season for Meghwal, who has continued to make rapid strides on the international stage. His 2.21m clearance was a new personal best, adding another major achievement to his season following a gold medal at the Asian U20 Athletics Championships.
Shahnavaz wins bronze
India won another medal at the World Athletics U20 Championships as Shahnavaz secured bronze in the men’s long jump, taking the country’s tally to three. The 18-year-old registered his best effort of 7.84m on his third attempt to secure the third position in a closely contested final.
He started the competition with a 7.67m effort before making an improvement to 7.72m in his second attempt. He then delivered his best performance in his third attempt, clearing the 7.84m mark to move into medal position.
His remaining attempts were registered at 7.52m, 7.83m and 5.37m, but his effort in the third round was enough to bag the bronze medal. Italy’s Daniele Inzoli clinched the gold medal with a 7.97m jump, while Australia’s Mason McGroder won silver with a personal-best 7.96m effort.