Indian Navy athletes delivered a remarkable performance at the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships held from 5 to 9 August at Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon, USA, securing two prestigious medals and bringing pride to the nation and the service.
Petty Officer Basant Kumar Meghwal created history by winning the Silver Medal in the Men’s High Jump event with an outstanding clearance of 2.21 metres. His achievement marked a historic moment as he became the first and only Indian high jumper to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships across any age category.
Meghwal’s record-breaking performance represents a major milestone for Indian athletics and highlights the growing contribution of Armed Forces athletes on the global sporting stage. His success reflects years of dedicated training, discipline and commitment towards achieving excellence in international competition.
Adding to the Indian Navy’s medal tally, Petty Officer Shahnavaz Khan secured the Bronze Medal in the Men’s Long Jump event with an impressive performance of 7.84 metres. His podium finish further showcased the talent and determination of Indian Navy athletes competing at the highest level.
Both athletes displayed exceptional skill, perseverance and competitive spirit during the championship. Their achievements underline the strong sporting culture within the Indian Navy and the service’s continued efforts to encourage and support athletes in pursuing excellence across national and international platforms.
The Indian Navy congratulated Petty Officer Basant Kumar Meghwal and Petty Officer Shahnavaz Khan for their outstanding performances and for bringing honour to the country and the service.
The success of the two athletes at the World Athletics U20 Championships highlights the important role of the Armed Forces in promoting sports talent and providing opportunities for personnel to excel globally. Their achievements stand as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across India.
