Una: Paralympic silver medallist Nishad Kumar gets warm welcome

Una, September 3

Nishad Kumar, who won the silver medal in the Tokyo Paralympic Games, reached home this afternoon and was given a warm welcome by his family members, sports enthusiasts and social organisations.

On August 29, Nishad (22) won the silver medal in the men’s high jump T47 event, after clearing 2.09 metres. His father Rashpal is a mason and mother Pushpa Devi is a housewife. They live in their ancestral Badaun village in Amb.

Nishad was welcomed at the Mehatpur inter-state barrier by his family and relatives, where Chairman, State Finance Commission, Satpal Singh Satti, was also present. People awaited on the roadside and cheered as Nishad travelled past in a car along the 11-km route to Una.

At the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in Una city, the athlete was honoured by the District Youth Affairs and Sports Department officials. Members of various district sports bodies were also present. However, not a single officer from the district administration came to congratulate Nishad at Una.

Nishad said he was grateful to the government for providing him the services of a coach and facilitating his boarding and lodging during training sessions in different parts of the country. He called upon the youth to keep away from drugs and alcohol, and focus their energy on positive activities.

Nishad’s father Rashpal said his son had proved that financial constraints were no hindrance to success if one had the dedication to achieve the objective. — OC