A new chapter was written in Indian athletics on Sunday as Sarvesh Kushare became the first-ever Indian to qualify for the men’s high jump final at the World Athletics Championships. Competing under intense heat and pressure at Tokyo’s National Stadium, the 30-year-old cleared 2.25 metres on his second attempt to secure his spot among the final 13 competitors.

Kushare’s achievement was all the more significant as it came on a day of surprises — notably, the unexpected exit of reigning Olympic champion Gianmarco Tamberi, who failed to clear 2.21 metres after three attempts. While others stumbled, Sarvesh remained focused and composed throughout the qualifying round.

Coming from humble beginnings in Deogaon, Nashik, Sarvesh’s path to international glory was paved with resilience. Training on improvised mats filled with corn husks and rags under the watchful eye of his schoolteacher and first coach Raosaheb Jadhav, he started with the scissors technique before adopting the Fosbury Flop — a move that marked a turning point in his technique and career.

“I had confidence in myself that I would make it. Everyone in the country should also have faith, especially as we are qualifying in high jump for the finals. Everyone should believe in themselves. Personally, I have a lot of self-belief today,” Sarvesh told journalist Sundeep Misra after securing qualification.

Having joined the Indian Army in 2016, Sarvesh gained access to structured training, stable income, and facilities that allowed him to hone his skills. With his earnings, he bought his first pair of high jump spikes — a symbolic step in his long journey. Over the years, he has claimed notable victories, including a gold at the 2019 South Asian Games in Kathmandu, and a silver at the 2023 Asian Championships.

Despite struggling with an ankle injury ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics — where he placed 25th — Sarvesh has rebounded strongly in 2025. He jumped 2.26 metres twice this season and recently bagged gold at the India Open in Bengaluru, surpassing Tejaswin Shankar.

In the qualifying round in Tokyo, Sarvesh began at 2.16m — which he cleared on his second attempt — followed by 2.21m and then 2.25m, both on second tries. His clean performance earned him ninth place overall, sufficient to advance into the final, scheduled for Tuesday, September 16.

“The final is still ahead. The qualifying round was slightly easier. But in the final, the competition is at the world level – very strong. I was focusing on performing my best, and mentally I was challenging myself throughout,” Sarvesh said, fully aware of the tougher challenge awaiting him.

As for his preparation strategy for the final, he added: “Qualifying and finals are different. We planned training for the qualifiers two days before, and now for the final, we have one day. I’ll relax a bit, do a good training session, and then focus on giving my best in the final.”

When asked whether Tamberi’s early elimination created added pressure, the Indian high jumper calmly responded, “Not really. Everyone is primarily fighting against themselves. Each athlete tries to give their best. Preparation varies – some athletes have trained for four to five years, some 15 to 17 years, including me.”

India’s overall participation at this edition of the World Athletics Championships includes 19 athletes. Leading the contingent is Olympic gold medallist and javelin champion Neeraj Chopra, aiming to extend his medal-winning run after historic performances in 2022 and 2023. He will be joined in the men’s javelin event by Yashvir Singh, Rohit Yadav, and Sachin Yadav, while Annu Rani leads the women’s charge.

In other events, Sandeep Kumar and Priyanka Goswami finished 23rd and 24th respectively in the men’s and women’s 35km race walk held on Saturday. Sprinters like Animesh Kujur (200m) and hurdlers like Tejas Shirse (110m hurdles) are also in action, alongside distance runners Gulveer Singh and Pooja, both scheduled for multiple events.

Sarvesh Kushare’s qualification represents more than just personal success — it’s a watershed moment for Indian track and field. With calm determination and consistent performances behind him, the stage is now set for him to take one more leap into sporting history.