Eugene, Oregon: India’s Basant Kumar Meghwal earned silver in the men’s high jump at the World Athletics U20 Championships by clearing a personal best of 2.21 meters.
The 19-year-old cleared 2.06m, 2.12m, 2.17m and finally 2.21m in a steady series of attempts. Three athletes reached 2.21m, yet Meghwal placed second on countback. Gold went to Algeria’s Younes Ayachi and bronze to Great Britain’s Otis Poole. All three failed to clear 2.24m. Ayachi succeeded on his first try at 2.21m, Meghwal on his second and Poole on his third.
Meghwal’s medal became India’s second at the championships after Ashish Yadav took silver in the javelin throw.
Yadav recorded a best throw of 74.09m, finishing behind South Africa’s Jan-Hendrik Heymans who won gold with a world U20-leading mark of 80.50m. Dominica’s Addison James claimed bronze at 73.89m. Yadav opened with 69.96m, fouled his second attempt, then produced his top distance on the third before adding 72.31m, 70.62m and 67.98m.
Heymans led early with 76.92m and improved to 79.42m before sealing victory with 80.50m on his final attempt.
