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In a landmark moment for Indian athletics, Sarvesh Anil Kushare has become the first Indian high jumper to qualify for the final round of the World Athletics Championships. Competing in Tokyo, the 30-year-old athlete cleared 2.25 meters in the qualification round, securing his place among the top 12 jumpers globally. His achievement marks a significant breakthrough for India in a discipline long dominated by European and East Asian athletes.
Key Highlights from the Qualification Round
Kushare cleared 2.25 meters on his third attempt, finishing joint seventh in Group B and ninth overall across both qualification groups.
The automatic qualifying mark was set at 2.30 meters, but the top 12 performers advanced to the final.
Olympic champion Gianmarco Tamberi failed to qualify, while New Zealand’s Hamish Kerr and Korea’s Sanghyeok Woo made the cut alongside Kushare.
The final is scheduled for Tuesday, September 16, at Tokyo’s National Stadium.
Journey of Grit and Growth
Humble Beginnings
Born in Deogaon near Nashik, Maharashtra, Kushare is the son of an onion farmer.
He began training on makeshift mats filled with fodder, often without proper shoes or equipment.
His early struggles shaped a resilient mindset that has defined his career.
Rise Through the Ranks
Kushare joined the Indian Army in 2016, gaining access to professional training facilities.
He set a personal best of 2.27 meters in 2022 and recorded a season-best of 2.26 meters earlier this year.
He won silver at the 2023 Asian Championships and clinched titles at both the Federation Cup and Inter-State Championships in 2025.
Olympic Experience
He represented India at the Paris Olympics in 2024 but did not advance past the qualification round.
The experience, however, fueled his determination to return stronger on the world stage.
Technical Performance in Tokyo
Kushare began his qualification round with a successful clearance at 2.16 meters.
He followed it up with 2.21 meters and then 2.25 meters, which sealed his spot in the final.
His technique showed composure and adaptability, especially under humid conditions with 85 percent humidity.
Impact on Indian Athletics
Kushare’s qualification is a historic first for India in the high jump event at the World Championships.
His success comes at a time when Indian track and field athletes are gaining global recognition, following Neeraj Chopra’s javelin gold in Budapest and Anju Bobby George’s long jump bronze in Paris 2003.
With Tejaswin Shankar shifting focus to decathlon, Kushare has emerged as India’s leading high jump specialist.
What Lies Ahead
Kushare will compete in the final against elite athletes, including Olympic and Diamond League champions.
With a personal best just 0.03 meters shy of the automatic qualifying mark, he enters the final with realistic hopes of a podium finish.
He has stated that he will train lightly and focus on recovery before the final showdown.
Conclusion
Sarvesh Anil Kushare’s leap into the World Athletics Championships final is more than a personal milestone—it’s a symbol of India’s expanding footprint in global athletics. From humble beginnings to the world’s biggest stage, his journey is a testament to perseverance, belief, and the power of dreams. As he prepares for the final, the nation watches with pride and anticipation, hoping for another historic moment in Indian sports.
Sources: MSN News, India Today, Olympics.com, Indian Express, Business Standard
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