Why in news:

• Nishad Kumar, a distinguished athlete from Himachal Pradesh, has earned national and international acclaim for his remarkable achievements in the men’s high jump T47 category at the Paralympic Games.

Key Points:

• Winning silver medals at two consecutive Paralympics—Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024—Kumar’s story is not only one of athletic excellence but also of resilience, determination, and the power of overcoming adversity.
• Born on October 3, 1999, in Baduan village of Una District, Himachal Pradesh, Nishad Kumar’s early life was marked by a traumatic accident that would change his future.
• At the age of six, while assisting his family on the farm, he tragically lost his right hand in an accident with a grass-cutting machine. This life-altering event could have marked the end of his dreams. However, for Nishad, it became a turning point—one that fueled his resolve to pursue sports and prove that nothing could hold him back.
• Kumar’s mother, Pushpa Devi, a state-level volleyball player and discus thrower, was a pivotal influence in nurturing his athletic aspirations. Growing up, Nishad balanced his education with a growing passion for athletics, attending DAV College in Chandigarh and later Himachal Pradesh University, where he pursued his studies while honing his athletic skills.
• Nishad Kumar’s entry into para-athletics began in 2009, and he soon made a name for himself in the competitive world of high jump. His breakthrough moment came at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships, where he won a bronze medal in the men’s T47 category, securing his qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
• At Tokyo 2020, Nishad achieved a personal best jump of 2.06 meters, earning a silver medal. He shared the podium with Dallas Wise of the USA, both clearing the same height, marking an extraordinary moment in his career.
• At the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Nishad once again showcased his skill and determination, securing another silver medal in the men’s high jump T47 category with a jump of 2.04 meters.
• This marked his second consecutive silver at the Paralympic Games, a remarkable achievement that further highlighted his consistency and ability to perform on the world stage. His success not only added to India's medal tally but also reinforced the country's growing presence in para-athletics.