Tokyo Paralympics: Mariyappan Thangavelu wins silver, Sharad Kumar takes bronze in men's high jump

India’s Mariyappan Thangavelu claimed an elite silver while Sharad Kumar brought home bronze in men’s high jump (T63) at the Tokyo Paralympics, taking India’s tally of medals to 10, including two gold, five silvers and three bronze.

Advertisment

Thangavelu made a jump of 1.86 m to claim silver while Sharad Kumar 1.83m cleared 1.83m to finish third. Another Indian in the fray, Varun Singh Bhati finished 7th after managing to make a jump of 1.77m.

USA’s Sam Grewe claimed the podium finish after clearing 1.88m. Thangavelu had won gold in the 2016 Paralympics while Varun Singh had finished third to win bronze. Meanwhile Indian PM Narendra Modi hailed the efforts of the duo.

"Soaring higher and higher! Mariyappan Thangavelu is synonymous with consistence and excellence. Congratulations to him for winning the Silver Medal. India is proud of his feat," PM Modi tweeted to congratulate the 26-year-old.

Advertisment

For Sharad Kumar, Modi wrote: "The indomitable @sharad_kumar01 has brought smiles on the faces of every Indian by winning the Bronze Medal. His life journey will motivate many."

Earlier in the day, shooter Singhraj Adana won bronze in the men’s 10m air pistol SH1 event. The last three days have been very productive for India in terms of medals. Paddler Bhavinaben Patel opened India’s account by winning silver in the table tennis women’s singles (class 4) on Sunday before Nishad Kumar claimed silver in the men’s high jump (T47).

On Monday, shooter Avani Lekhara and javelin thrower Suit Antil claimed a podium finish. Devendra Jhajharia won silver in the men’s Javelin throw event (F46) while Yogesh Kathunya won silver in the men’s discus throw.