New Delhi | Tokyo Paralympics: India's remarkable medal rush at the Paralympics 2020 continued as Mariyappan Thangavelu and Sharad Kumar won silver and bronze medals respectively in the men's high jump event. Sharad best clearance was 1.83m, while Mariyappan's cleared 1.86m. Earlier in the day, shooter Singhraj Adana won a bronze medal in men's 10m air pistol SH1 event. India have so far won two gold, five silver and three bronze medals.
Team India's duo Mariyappan Thangavelu, Sharad Kumar both cleared 1.83m in their first attempt to secure two more medals for India and lead the pack with USA's Sam Greer in 3rd place in men's high jump T42/T63 category. In the next round, the contention for the prized gold medal was on as Mariyappan Thangavelu and Sharad Kumar competed with World record holder Sam Grewe for the three spots on the podium.
Sharad Kumar failed to clear the 1.83m-mark to secure the bronze medal for India. The battle for the prized Gold medal took place between Mariyappan Thangavelu and Sam Grewe. Mariyappan failed in his third attempt as well to clear the 1.88m mark but Sam Grewe from USA cleared it in his third attempt to bag the Gold medal.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur on Tuesday congratulated high jumpers Mariyappan Thangavelu and Sharad for winning a silver and bronze medal, respectively.
"Mariyappan wins SILVER for India !!! This is his 2nd consecutive #Paralympics medal, historic in so many ways! Well Played Champion! @189thangavelu," tweeted Thakur.
"India’s 🇮🇳 Medal shower continues! It’s BRONZE🥉for Sharad Kumar !!! Men’s High Jump T63 Final...Season Best jump of 1.83m. Great performance, Great sprit displayed," tweeted Thakur.
The T42 classification is for athletes with a leg deficiency, leg length difference, impaired muscle power or impaired passive range of movement in the legs. The athletes compete in a standing position.