Sarvesh leaps into history with CWG high jump silver

Glasgow: This is turning out to be a dream month for Sarvesh Kushare, as he soars to new highs in his illustrious career. On a chilly night at the Scotstoun Stadium here on Monday night, Sarvesh soared to a new high of 2.25 metres and sealed a silver medal.

Conditions were tricky, yet Sarvesh handled it with aplomb, even as Tejaswin Shankar had to drop out of the final with a major injury. Shankar did well to support Sarvesh through all his jumps, reflecting camaraderie.

On June 27, Sarvesh Kushare had cleared 2.31 metres at home for a national record. It echoed the sentiment, he had arrived. In less than a fortnight, the bearded man was placed third in the Diamond League. And on Monday, a medal at the Commonwealth Games, which is defining for Indian track and field.

The very fact two Indians were going into the final was good news. Tejaswin had a niggle and decided to not compete in pain. However, he will go whole hog in his new love – decathlon – later this week.

Sarvesh was happy with his effort in Glasgow as he opened up with the media.

What is your first reaction on winning the medal?

I am happy and my family is also very happy today as I won a silver medal. And I want to thank everyone, the Athletics Federation of India, OGQ, Army Sports Institute, and my coaches. My heartfelt thanks to all of them.

The way you competed with Tejaswin guiding you, how was the experience?

Yes, Tejaswin supported me a lot. My body was cooling down a bit, and the weather conditions were a bit challenging. I was putting in 100% effort, but I missed 2.20m. But that’s okay, the Asian Games are coming up next, so I will focus on that now.

Could you tell us a bit more about the weather conditions?

The weather was getting a bit cold, and with time passing in between attempts, the body was cooling down. But it’s fine, we will perform better in future competitions.

Tejaswin pulled out of the event...

Yes, he had an issue with his knee. Otherwise, he was in great shape, too, and could have done well.

There have been many phases in your journey. How do you look back at it?

It is great. This is my first major medal, a silver at the Commonwealth Games. Otherwise, I participated in everything, the World Championships, Olympics. I was a mere participant and today my goal was to win a medal and give my personal best. Because of the weather, I couldn’t deliver my best jump, but I brought home a medal, so I am happy.

Your personal best is 2.31m. If you maintain that, can we expect medals in the upcoming Asian Games and even the Olympics?

That’s exactly what we are preparing for. Everyone is aiming for gold, and I am preparing for gold as well. It’s just a matter of timing, if it’s my day, I will win gold too. My coaches, RW Jadhav sir and Jithin Thomas, have worked extensively on my runway approach.