Indian long jumper Shahnavaz Khan wins bronze at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene with a 7.84m jump, securing India’s first men’s long jump medal at the event.
Eugene, Oregon: Indian athletics prospect Shahnavaz Khan has created history by winning the bronze medal in the men’s long jump at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon. His podium finish adds another significant achievement to India’s growing record in junior athletics.
Khan produced a best effort of 7.84 metres in the final to secure third place. His performance is particularly significant because he became the first Indian male athlete to win a medal in the long jump at the World Athletics U20 Championships.
The 18-year-old athlete from Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, has been steadily emerging as one of India’s promising young long jumpers. His latest international success further strengthens his credentials as a potential future star of Indian athletics.
Historic Medal for Indian Long Jump
Shahnavaz’s bronze represents a breakthrough for Indian men’s long jump at the global U20 level. Before his achievement in Eugene, India’s only long jump medal at the World U20 Championships had come from Shaili Singh, who won silver in the women’s event in 2021.
Khan has also demonstrated impressive form during the 2026 season. His personal best stands at 8.30 metres, recorded in Bhubaneswar in June, according to World Athletics.
His progression has been notable over the past two seasons. In the 2025 Indian U20 Championships, Khan won the men’s long jump with a 7.90m effort, underlining his consistency at the junior level.
India’s Strong World U20 Campaign
Khan’s bronze was part of a highly encouraging campaign for India at the World Athletics U20 Championships. India finished the competition with three medals — two silver and one bronze.
Ashish Yadav won silver in the men’s javelin throw, while Basant Kumar Meghwal claimed silver in the men’s high jump. Khan’s long jump bronze completed India’s medal haul.
The results have prompted praise from Indian athletics stars, including Neeraj Chopra, who congratulated the young medal winners and encouraged India’s athletics community to build on the momentum.
A Promising Future Ahead
Khan’s achievement is more than a single junior medal. His 8.30m season-best performance and international podium finish indicate considerable potential as he moves toward senior-level competition.
With Indian athletics producing a new generation of medal contenders, Shahnavaz Khan’s performance in Eugene could become an important milestone in the development of the country’s long jump programme.
His historic bronze also gives Indian fans another young athlete to watch as the country continues to build depth across track and field events.
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