India’s Nishad Kumar and Simran Sharma clinched their first-ever gold medals at the World Para Athletics Championships on Friday, powering the hosts to their most productive day of the competition. Preethi Pal and Pardeep Kumar added a bronze each in the 200m and discus throw, helping India move from seventh to fourth in the overall medal standings.
With two more days left in the championships, India now has six gold, five silver, and four bronze medals, putting the nation on course to surpass its previous best medal haul of 17 achieved in Kobe, Japan, in 2024. Brazil leads the table with 12 golds, followed by China (9) and Poland (8).
Simran Sharma: Sprinting to India’s First Gold of the Day
Delhi’s Simran Sharma kicked off India’s golden run in the women’s 100m T12 final, clocking a personal best of 11.95 seconds to win her maiden title in the event at the World Para Athletics Championships.
Simran, who had previously won gold in the 200m in Japan and a bronze at the 2024 Paralympics, ran with her guide Umar Saifi in the T12 category, which is for athletes with visual impairment. China’s Liang Yanfen finished second in 12.11 seconds, while Spain’s Nagore Folgado Garcia also clocked 12.11 seconds to take bronze.
Born prematurely at six-and-a-half months with visual impairment, the 25-year-old trains at the JLN Stadium in Delhi. Her father, Manoj Sharma, encouraged her to take up athletics, helping her overcome early health challenges.
“It’s fun to run for my country. I always wanted to do something for my country,” Simran said. “I have won gold in the 100m, and I will now give my best to win the 200m.”
Further, Simran is also expected to compete in the 200m later in the championships, aiming for another medal.
SUGGESTED READ: World Para Athletics Championship: India Hits 8 Medals
Nishad Kumar Shines in Men’s High Jump T47
For Nishad Kumar, Friday was even more special — he celebrated his 26th birthday by winning the men’s high jump T47 gold at the World Para Athletics Championships. Clearing 2.14 metres, he set a new Asian record and secured his first gold at a world-level event, having previously won silver at the Tokyo and Paris Paralympics, and a bronze in the 2019 World Championships.
“I have been waiting for this day for a year. I have been working very hard for this day. Today is the day. I have given my best. It’s God’s will. No one can stop me,” Nishad said after the win.
Nishad’s victory was notable as he beat USA’s Roderick Townsend, the five-time defending champion and three-time Paralympic gold medallist, who managed only 2.03m for bronze. Turkey’s Abdullah Ilgaz took silver with 2.08m.
Hailing from Una, Himachal Pradesh, Nishad lost his right hand in a grass-cutting accident at the age of six. The T47 classification is for athletes with a below-elbow or wrist amputation or impairment.
“I already have silver medals. I have kept them on my rack. I have been waiting for this gold medal for many years. I was ready for it and had written in my diary that I will win gold today,” he added.
Other Medal Wins for India
India’s day was further boosted by two bronze medals:
- Preethi Pal won bronze in the women’s 200m T35 final with a season’s best of 30.03 seconds. China’s Guo Qianqian claimed gold in 29.50 seconds, while Fatimah Suwaed of Iraq finished second in 30.00 seconds. The T35 classification is for athletes with coordination impairments.
- Pardeep Kumar secured bronze in the men’s discus throw F64 with a season-best throw of 46.23m. Ivan Katanusic of Croatia won gold with 55.12m, and Max Rohn of the USA took silver with 50.92m. F64 classification is for athletes with moderately affected lower limb movement or below-knee amputations.
India’s Medal Tally at the World Para Athletics Championships
| Athlete | Event / Class | Medal | Performance |
| Simran Sharma | Women’s 100m T12 | Gold | 11.95 s |
| Nishad Kumar | Men’s High Jump T47 | Gold | 2.14 m |
| Preethi Pal | Women’s 200m T35 | Bronze | 30.03 s |
| Pardeep Kumar | Men’s Discus F64 | Bronze | 46.23 m |
Looking Ahead
With two days still to go at the World Para Athletics Championships, India is on course to set new records and add to its medal haul. Both athletes are now serious medal prospects at upcoming competitions, including the Asian Para Games 2026 and the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.
Writer’s Take:
What a day of Indian para-athletics! Nishad Kumar flying to the first world gold at 2.14m, and Simran Sharma blazing in the T12 100m final in 11.95 seconds, personal best time, these were not just the wins, but the statements.
As they take over the World Para Athletics Championships, you cannot help but be amazed at the grit, the accuracy, and the years of invisible training in each jump and stride. These performances have created a new story of India in the world para-sport beyond the medals. Who will rise next, and how far will this generation go? There is one thing definite, that the spotlight is firmly on Nishad and Simran.
YOU MIGHT LIKE: Rinku Hooda Wins Gold at World Para Athletics 2025
The post Nishad Kumar and Simran Sharma Win Gold in World Para Athletics Championships appeared first on JeetWin Blog.
