Shailesh Kumar Wins Gold at World Para Athletics Grand Prix

The success of the T63 men category leap of 1.84 meters marks a successful comeback after the injury, which is a boost to the success of para sports in India.

Shailesh Kumar was born on August 8, 2000, in Jamui, Bihar. He lost his right leg to polio as a child, but he used his interest in sports in para-athletics. 

He first competed in able-bodied sports where he won a gold medal in the Bihar Sub-Junior Nationals in 2016. Following that, in para sports he heard about classifications during the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Currently, he works as a Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) in Bihar and has been training rigorously in Bengaluru.

What Went on at the Grand Prix?

Shailesh obtained the Indian podium sweep in high jump T63 (men) with a clearance of 1.84 meters on March 13, 2026, in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, and Ramsingbhai Gov Padhiyar (silver, 1.65m) and Lokesh Mantra (bronze, 1.60m). 

Although this is his lowest score in his career, 1.91m in the 2025 World Championships, this is a powerful start of the season, following knee pain that occurred in the 2025 event. 

India led in general and in terms of medals, achieving the highest number of 208 medals (75 gold) of all competitors, followed by Russia (35 medals).

Why is the T63 Category Special?

The T63 category comprises para-athletes with lower limb disabilities who are using prosthetic limbs such as Shailesh to participate in fair competition through World Para Athletics regarding World Para Athletics and the International Paralympics Committee. 

This organized more than 200 Indian athletes and internationals including Russians who entered their country on their flag after Winter Paralympics permission and provided classification to international meets. 

The victory of Shailesh highlights the emergence of para athletics in India.

What Did Shailesh Do to Overcome His Trials?

Since the 2025 Worlds, Shailesh dealt with left knee pain by looking at a slow comeback, and training on his take-off instead of going for records at once. 

Here, he trains with Paralympathetic star Mariyappan Thangavelu at Bengaluru but mentioned withdrawal of Thangavelu due to fitness. 

It is an inspiring story of his rise to world champion with a combination of regular training and a long plan of achievement, which started in the small Bihar facilities.

Shailesh Kumar’s Future Outlook

Shailesh looks at the 2026 Asian Para Games as the highlight of his season, bases all his training around it and feels that the presence of tough competitors is a challenge to him. 

After getting silver at 2023 Worlds, gold at 2025 Worlds (championship record) and fourth place in 2024 Paris Paralympics, he hopes to set a record of more than 1.91m through a technique adjustment. 

He has already been congratulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is an indication of national backing.