Shailesh Kumar won India’s first gold medal at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, which were held at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Shailesh, who hails from Bihar, began his journey in modest farm fields, where he trained jumping over ropes and landing on hard ground. Despite having a physical impairment in his right leg from childhood polio, he persevered through years of improvisation and dedication.
A year after nearly losing out on a medal in Paris, Shailesh returned with fresh drive and set a new competition record in New Delhi. India also won bronze in the same event with Varun Singh Bhati, but Shailesh took the top spot. While celebrating his achievement, he highlighted the need for greater societal recognition of para sports and equality between Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
Government support through schemes like TOPS and Khelo India has increased support for para athletes. However, Shailesh noted that corporate sponsorship often arrives only after breakthroughs. Even after winning gold, he pursued greater scores, emphasising his mantra: “Never give up.” He praises his family, especially his elder brother, for their constant support throughout his journey.
Shailesh Kumar’s success represents resilience and the growing popularity of India’s para athletes on the global scene.
