'Not getting gold is disappointing': Sarvesh Kushare after Asian Games silver
High jumper Sarvesh Kushare reflects on his silver medal win at the Asian Games 2026 and the disappointment of missing out on gold.
Indian high jumper Sarvesh Kushare has opened up about the mixed emotions of winning a silver medal at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, admitting that while he is proud, the missed opportunity for gold remains a sting.
Kushare secured his podium finish by clearing 2.25m in the men's high jump final on Sunday. However, the gold went to Chinese Taipei's Fu Chao-hsuan, who also cleared 2.25m but won via a countback. South Korea's Woo Sanghyeok took the bronze with a jump of 2.22m.
A Year of Silver Success
For Kushare, the Asian Games silver is part of an extraordinary year of consistency. Having already secured a silver medal in the men's high jump at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the athlete has proven himself as one of the continent's elite jumpers.
Speaking to ANI following his return to India, Kushare expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support from the nation. "I'm really happy. I came here today and am getting so much love from everyone," he said, noting the visible change in how Indian athletes are received. "It used to be that when the Indian guys came, nobody would even ask. Now there's such a huge crowd, and they're putting garlands on us, so it feels really good."
The Pain of Missing the Top Spot
Despite the celebration, the athlete was candid about the emotional toll of falling just short of the highest podium. "It feels really good when India's national anthem plays, but when we don't get to play it, it hurts a bit. Even after preparing so much, not getting gold is really disappointing," Kushare admitted. "But it's okay; we'll work on our mistakes and put on a much better performance next time."
He dedicated the achievement to his family and the supporters who stood by him through injury struggles earlier in the year.
Ancy Sojan Clinches Long Jump Silver
The success for India was shared by long jumper Ancy Sojan, who also secured a silver medal in the women's long jump. Sojan recorded a best effort of 6.53m, missing the gold by a mere two centimetres to China's Huang Yingying (6.55m). Tan Mengyi of China took the bronze with 6.46m.
A Chief Petty Officer with the Indian Navy, Sojan celebrated becoming a two-time Asian Games medallist. "I am very proud that after I joined the Armed Forces, this is the third medal for me," Sojan said. "I feel like I am protecting my country and also making my country proud. I am saying, 'I will raise [the flag] up.'"