Patna– Bihar earned a moment of international pride as Shailesh Kumar of Jamui district clinched India’s first gold medal at the 12th World Para Athletics Championships in Delhi. Competing in the T42 high jump category, Shailesh cleared an impressive 1.91 metres to secure the top podium finish.

Ravindran Shankaran, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Bihar State Sports Authority, announced the achievement, highlighting that Shailesh set a new championship record three times in the event with jumps of 1.85 m, 1.88 m, and 1.91 m.

Shankaran further noted that Shailesh hails from Islamnagar village in Aliganj block of Jamui district. He previously won a silver medal at the last World Para Championships in Paris and a gold medal at the Asian Games in China. Under the state government’s “Medal Lao, Naukri Pao” (Win a Medal, Get a Job) scheme, Shailesh was awarded a Class One government post and currently serves as a Child Development Project Officer in the Department of Social Welfare.

Coming from a farming family, Shailesh has overcome formidable challenges through sheer determination and talent. His remarkable journey stands as a source of pride for Bihar and the nation, and serves as an inspiration for athletes across India.