Paralympic medallist Nishad accorded rousing reception

Paralympic silver medallist Nishad Kumar was today accorded a warm welcome on his return to Una. Nishad (24) had secured his second silver medal in the high jump T47 event at the Paralympic Games that concluded in Paris recently. Earlier in 2020, Nishad had won his first silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympic games.

Nishad, who hails from Badaun village in Andaura panchayat of Una district, was accompanied by his coach Nadeem Ahmed.

The athlete was given a reception at the Indira Gandhi stadium in Una city where besides District Sports Officer Uttam Daud, sports persons representing different games welcomed him and cheered him for his rare achievement.

Speaking on the occasion, Nishad said he was very happy to win the second silver medal for his country and thanked the people for their support and blessings. He said he had worked hard before the games and will continue his efforts in the future.

Nishad’s father is an agriculturist, while his mother is a housewife. During his childhood, Nishad had severed his right arm from above his wrist while working on the chaff cutter. Despite his physical challenge, he worked hard to excel in sports. He began practising the high jump event in which he eventually succeeded to win medals at the Paralympic games.

Nishad Kumar was honoured with the Arjuna Award after he won the Paralympic silver medal in the Tokyo games. He also won the bronze medal in the men’s T47 high jump category at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai, a gold medal at the 2021 World Para Athletics Grand Prix, also held in Dubai, and a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou, China.