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Shahnawaz Khan has become the first Indian to win a medal in the long jump at the World Athletics U20 Championships, giving India its third medal of the competition. He won the bronze medal while registering a 7.84-metre long jump at the championships.

Khan entered the final after qualifying with a 7.73-metre jump and improved his personal record to 7.84 metres to win bronze for the country at the prestigious competition. His third attempt proved decisive as he landed 7.84m to move into third place and eventually secure a third medal for India in the competition after Ashish Yadav and Basant Meghwal’s silver medals.

He fell 0.13 metres short of winning the gold medal after Italy’s Daniele Leonardo Inzoli won gold with 7.97m, while Australia’s Mason McGroder took silver with 7.96m. He improved his record with each jump after securing a 7.67m jump and followed it with 7.72m. He then produced his best effort of the competition, jumping 7.84m on his third attempt.

While he tried hard to close the gap with the table-toppers, it was not enough, and ultimately he settled for bronze, with the 7.84 m remaining his overall best at the competition.

India’s other finalist, R.C. Jithin Arjunan, finished eighth with a best effort of 7.59m. While India is primarily considered a dominant force in wrestling and boxing at international events, this year’s medals in athletics will give hope to the youth and newcomers in track and field sports.