Indian Navy’s Basant Kumar Meghwal Wins Historic Silver, Shahnavaz Khan Takes Bronze at World Athletics U20 Championships

Indian Navy athletes returned with two medals from the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, with Petty Officer Basant Kumar Meghwal winning silver in the men’s high jump and Petty Officer Shahnavaz Khan taking bronze in the men’s long jump.

The championships were held from 5 to 9 August at Hayward Field in the United States, and the Indian contingent’s success was led by Meghwal’s historic performance in the high jump. He cleared 2.21 metres to finish second and, in the process, became the first and only Indian high jumper to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships in any age category.

That result gives Meghwal’s silver added importance beyond the U20 competition itself. It places his achievement in a wider national context, as no Indian high jumper had previously reached the podium at the World Athletics Championships across any age group. His performance also reflected the progress of Armed Forces athletes on the international stage after years of training and preparation.

India’s medal tally from the event was further strengthened by Shahnavaz Khan, who finished third in the men’s long jump with an effort of 7.84 metres. His bronze added a second podium finish for the Indian Navy and reinforced the impression made by service athletes at one of the world’s leading junior athletics competitions.

Together, the two results gave the Indian Navy a notable presence at the championships. Both athletes were recognised for displaying strong technical ability, perseverance and competitive composure during the meet, while their performances highlighted the depth of sporting talent being developed within the service.

The Indian Navy said the medal-winning performances by Meghwal and Khan brought honour to both the country and the service. Their success also drew attention to the Navy’s broader support structure for athletes competing at national and international levels.

The twin podium finishes have also renewed focus on the role played by the Armed Forces in nurturing sports talent. In this case, the World Athletics U20 Championships provided a global platform on which two Indian Navy athletes were able to deliver medal-winning performances, underlining how service institutions continue to create opportunities for personnel to compete and excel internationally.

For Indian athletics, Meghwal’s silver and Khan’s bronze represent more than individual success. They stand as evidence of the growing contribution of Armed Forces sportspersons in elite competition and are likely to serve as encouragement for young athletes across the country aiming to compete at the highest level.