Para high jumper Sharad Kumar, trained by a coach he has not been able to meet in two years due to war, claimed a silver medal at the Paris Paralympics, with his compatriot Mariyappan Thangavelu winning bronze in the same event. The athlete, who trained under his Ukrainian coach in the second largest city of Ukraine, Kharkiv, has spoken about the impact of the ongoing war in the country on his coach and his family. Kumar, who also suffered a paralysis in his leg due to spurious polio medication, overcame an anxious moment on the night before the final by talking to his family in India and reading the Bhagavad Gita, before ultimately winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo Paralympics. He described sports as both an art and a war, and acknowledged the improving level of competition in para athletics in India and other countries.
Sharad Kumar: India's Paralympic High Jump Hero
Background
Sharad Kumar is a para high jumper representing India. Born in 1994, Kumar has faced significant challenges due to a paralysis in his leg resulting from spurious polio medication. Despite these obstacles, he has emerged as a remarkable athlete, winning numerous medals at both national and international events.
Training Amidst War
Kumar's training has been heavily impacted by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trained by a Ukrainian coach in Kharkiv, Kumar has not been able to meet with him for over two years due to the conflict. However, he has continued to train remotely, showcasing his unwavering determination.
2020 Tokyo Paralympics
At the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, Kumar overcame adversity to claim a bronze medal in the high jump. Despite experiencing anxiety on the eve of the final, he found solace in his family and the Bhagavad Gita, ultimately reaching the podium.
2024 Paris Paralympics
At the recently concluded 2024 Paris Paralympics, Kumar once again displayed his prowess by securing a silver medal in the high jump. He faced stiff competition, including his compatriot Mariyappan Thangavelu who won the bronze. Kumar's triumph is a testament to his resilience, hard work, and the unwavering support of his family and coach.
FAQs
1. What is Sharad Kumar's disability? Sharad Kumar has paralysis in his leg due to spurious polio medication.
2. Where does Sharad Kumar train? Prior to the war in Ukraine, Sharad Kumar trained in Kharkiv, Ukraine.
3. How has the war in Ukraine affected Sharad Kumar's training? The war has prevented Sharad Kumar from meeting with his Ukrainian coach in person for over two years.
4. What is Sharad Kumar's favorite sport? Sharad Kumar is a high jumper.
5. What is Sharad Kumar's dream? Sharad Kumar's dream is to continue representing India in international para athletic competitions and inspire others.
Chelsea falls to Bayern Munich in their Champions League opener, with Harry Kane scoring twice in a 3-1 win for the German champions. Despite an impressive finish from Cole Palmer, the Blues couldn't overcome an early own goal from Trevoh Chalobah and another goal from Kane. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca will provide his thoughts in a post-match press conference as the team looks to regroup after this defeat.
The highly-anticipated Champions League match between Bayern Munich and Chelsea lived up to its hype as Bayern secured a dominating 3-1 victory. Despite Chelsea's strong start, Bayern's Michael Olise and Harry Kane showcased their skills, with Olise setting up Bayern's first two goals and Kane adding a third with his signature penalty kick. Despite a late attempt by Chelsea's Cole Palmer, Bayern's early lead proved to be insurmountable, solidifying their place at the top of the table.
In their highly anticipated Champions League opener at the Allianz Arena, Chelsea secured a 2-1 victory against Bayern Munich. The match was off to a thrilling start with a goal from Harry Kane, but Chelsea quickly equalized with a goal from Cole Palmer just a minute later. Despite a late goal from Bayern Munich, Chelsea held on to secure the win. This was just the boost Chelsea needed in their campaign for the Champions League title.
Liverpool's summer signing, striker Hugo Ekitike, faces tough competition with fellow new recruit Alexander Isak for a spot in the starting line-up. Despite a promising start with two goals and an assist in the Premier League, Ekitike was dropped in favor of Isak for Liverpool's Champions League game. The decision by Reds manager Arne Slot sparked controversy, with experts like French journalist Julien Laurens questioning Ekitike's transfer to the club. Is Ekitike's position in the team already in jeopardy?
In a turn of events, Chelsea's newest signing Facundo Buonanotte will now be included in the club's Champions League squad. This comes after an injury to another player, Daniel Essugo, during international duty. The news has drawn a reaction from Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo, who expressed his excitement on social media. After a disappointing draw in their last game, Chelsea will be looking to bounce back in their upcoming Champions League match against Bayern Munich.
Enzo Maresca, the manager of Chelsea, opens up about the departure of Nicolas Jackson, stating that he was content with letting the striker go to Bayern Munich on loan with an obligation to buy. While the move raised some eyebrows, Maresca explains how it was the best decision for both the player and the club. With the potential for a permanent switch to the German giants, Jackson's exit could prove to be a profitable move for Chelsea.
Bayern Munich have revealed their asking price for Michael Olise to Liverpool, reported to be £100 million. Olise, who has been impressive in his first season at the German club, is highly sought after by the Reds as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah. Liverpool are looking to sign a left-footed winger who can cut in from the right, and Olise fits the bill perfectly. With Salah's potential departure in 2027, the Frenchman could be the ideal replacement for the Egyptian King.
In a thrilling match-up, Bayern Munich and Chelsea take the field in the Champions League Final, with both teams vying for the coveted title. Meanwhile, in other games, Atletico Madrid manages to secure a goal against Liverpool, while newcomer Isak makes his debut for the Reds. And in a fierce match between Kane and Chelsea, Bayern Munich takes the lead by 3-1. Additionally, defending champions PSG dominate with a 3-0 lead against Atalanta. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights on this exciting day of football.
Despite being touted as a dangerous player in T20Is, Pakistan's Saim Ayub has registered back-to-back golden ducks in the Asia Cup, adding to his previous failure in the series opener. With India's Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah dismissing Ayub and Mohammad Haris, there is concern among the selectors and team management about the duo's strike rate. India, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on the early breakouts and secure a win.
In a thrilling match between Pakistan and UAE, Fakhar Zaman's 50 runs from 36 balls and Shaheen Afridi's unbeaten 29 runs from 14 balls helped Pakistan achieve a total of 146/9. But UAE's Junaid Siddique and Simranjeet Singh put up a tough fight with impressive bowling performances, taking 3 wickets each. In the end, it was a tight race as UAE needed to score 147 runs in 120 balls to win and make it to the Super 4s. However, Shaheen Afridi's four consecutive hits in the final over secured Pakistan's victory.