Asian Para Games 2026: How an injury pushed Nishad Kumar to double gold

When Nishad Kumar stepped up for the men’s T47 long jump at the 2026 Asian Para Games, it was an unfamiliar sight for many. Nishad, known for his exploits in the high jump, was competing in the long jump at a major international meet for the first time.

And after two days and two events, Nishad ended his campaign with his first international medal in long jump whilst defending his title in high jump.

“The preparation was good, even though the target was different. But I am happy with my achievement,” Nishad told The Bridge from Nagoya on Wednesday.

Nishad won the men’s T47 long jump gold with a best effort of 7.11m and high jump gold with a new Games Record of 2.04m.

“There are some points where I can improve and make them sharper. The audience was supportive, the competitors were also good but the ground was a little different. It was speedy and bouncy, so I had to adjust my runway by 2-2.5 steps,” Nishad reflected.

Competing in Long Jump

The decision to compete in long jump came in late 2025 when Nishad struggled with his left ankle or the takeoff leg, a crucial part of the high jump routine.

He changed his running pattern and also drew inspiration from foreign athletes who compete in multiple events to keep themselves healthy.

“Keeping the future in mind, and also considering physical fitness, I decided to take up long jump. My knee was troubling me. I mostly train in the US, and I have seen Olympians compete in local tournaments and take part in multiple events and still enjoy themselves. It helps them stay fit and maintain their ranking,” he pointed.

When asked if the two events complemented each other, Nishad talked about his routine.

“Gym sessions are mostly the same but some drills were different. And speed plays a big role in long jump but in high jump you need to control the speed. I am 6'4 and naturally bouncy because of my training in high jump.”

“The year 2026 was dedicated to long jump which requires more concentration. In high jump, I knew we would be doing a short approach,” he added.

Nishad recorded 6.95m (first attempt), 7.09m (second attempt), 7.11m (third and fifth attempt), foul in fourth attempt, and 7.07m in final attempt in long jump.

“During the jumps, I was landing with a difference of 30 cm. That had never happened before. When I go back, I will be working on the technicality,” he added.

Family time

For now, Nishad plans to enjoy his off season with family and friends in Himachal before resuming training in December for the World Championships in June next year.

“It has been eight-nine months since I visited my family,” he said.

Nishad shared with excitement how the kids in his village react each time he visits.

“It feels good to go home after a tournament. I meet kids on the way. I can relate to their excitement. I felt the same each time we saw a soldier coming home on vacation. Today, they get excited to see when they give me that respect, it is a moment,” he said.

“The kids ask me to replicate my celebration in front of them. They ask, ‘How do you jump so high? How do you do it? What do you eat? Tell us. And all sorts of innocent and curious questions,” Nishad shared.