Glaglow CWG 2026 | Sarvesh Kushare wins silver in high jump

For every attempt by India’s Sarvesh Kushare in the men’s high jump final of the Commonwealth Games at Scotstoun Stadium here on Monday, the modest gathering of spectators responded with warm applause and cheers. But when the Indian stepped up for his third and final attempt at 2.28m in expectations of a gold medal — after Jamaica’s Romaine Beckford had also failed at the height in his final attempt — sepulchral silence descended over the stadium. It was evident that the crowd wanted the 31-year-old Indian to win.

However, it wasn’t to be. Sarvesh settled for the silver medal — the first medal for India at athletics in able-bodied in the Games — after Beckford had cleared 2.25m on his first attempt, while the Indian National record holder managed the same height only on his third, handing the Jamaican the gold on countback.

Sarvesh Anil Kushare celebrates after winning the silver medal the men’s high jump final.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

“I am happy to win a medal in my second Commonwealth Games. The cold weather affected my warm-up and warm-down routine. I was a bit confused, but it was a good learning experience and a lot of fun. My Indian competitor Tejaswin Shankar was also advising and encouraging me. I won’t relax now and will focus on the Asian Games,” said Sarvesh Kushare.

Tejaswin withdraws

However, it turned out to be a disappointing and emotional day for Tejaswin, the bronze medallist at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

Initially, there was confusion when the official Commonwealth Games website displayed a DNS (Did Not Start) against his name. When queried, officials said it was a “technical glitch”. A few minutes later, spectators saw Tejaswin on the stadium’s giant screen waving to the crowd.

The 27-year-old failed in his opening attempt at 2.05m before retiring from the competition.

Speaking to mediapersons later, Tejaswin said he withdrew because of severe pain caused by tendonitis in his knee.

“I think I’ve always had tendonitis in my knee. There isn’t a high jumper in the world who hasn’t suffered tendonitis in the world. It was just one of those days. I was confident of doing well and winning a medal. In fact, I was feeling good and was in great shape during my warm-up,” he said.

Tejaswin said he would now focus on recovering in time for his next event, the men’s decathlon on July 31.

“I’ll try to fix this injury. I’m not on vacation. There are two days before my next event, and I’ll get started on my recovery,” he said while trying to control his tears.

Tejas finishes last

Meanwhile, Tejas Shirse finished eighth and last in the men’s 110m hurdles final in 15.39 seconds and was seen limping towards the end of the race.

“I felt pain in my left ankle during the warm-up before the race. I apologise to the nation for my performance,” Shirse said.