In a defining moment for Indian para-sports, Nishad Kumar clinched his maiden gold medal at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 in New Delhi, winning the high jump T47 category. Known for his consistent top-tier performances, Nishad had long chased the top spot, finishing as runner-up at the Tokyo and Paris Paralympics and the last two World Championships. But on Friday, his dream turned into reality.
Looking calm and focused throughout, Nishad cleared all pre-set marks on his very first attempts. Once it was confirmed that he had secured gold, Nishad boldly went for a world record attempt at 2.18 meters. While he fell short of setting the record, the title was already his — a historic win for both him and the nation.
This victory was especially significant as he beat American high jumper Roderick Townsend, a three-time world and Paralympic champion. Townsend managed only one successful jump at 2.03m, finishing behind Turkey’s Abdullah Ilgaz, who took silver.
Reflecting on the moment, Nishad shared: “I have been waiting for this day for a year. I have been working very hard for this day. Today is the day. I have given my best. It’s God’s will. No one can stop me.” He added, “I already have silver medals. I have kept them on my rack. I haven’t seen them since. I had written in my diary that I will do it today.”
Nishad also called it a special personal milestone to beat Townsend for the first time: “It was a big achievement for me. I beat him for the first time in my life. I saw him for the first time in Rio 2016.”
Friday was doubly special for India as Simran Sharma also clinched her first World Championships gold in the T12 100m sprint. Clocking a personal best of 11.95 seconds, Simran added to her growing legacy, having won gold in the 200m at the last edition and a bronze at the 2024 Paralympics.
Together, Nishad and Simran’s victories mark a high point in India’s para-athletics journey, inspiring the next generation of athletes with resilience, skill, and a refusal to settle for anything less than gold.
As part of the #IronLadiesIndia’25 initiative to mark the International Women’s Day 2025, Vedanta Sesa Goa partnered the Goa Paralympic Association in extending support to champion para athlete & ‘Iron Lady’, Ms Sakshi Kale for her endeavours in the upcoming World Para-Athletics Grand Prix 2024-25 & the ‘Khelo India’ games. The occasion was marked by a felicitation ceremony at Sesa Ghor, Patto, Panjim.
The #IronLadiesIndia initiative of Sesa Goa aims to salute the ‘Iron Will’ of women across Goa and other locations and recognises their contribution in various fields.
In As part of the event, Vedanta Sesa Goa extended vital financial support to Ms. Sakshi Kale for progressing her sporting endeavours and also presented her with a memento celebrating her inspiring journey.
The ceremony The event was attended by Mr Navin Jaju, CEO, Vedanta Sesa Goa, Mr Vishram Naik, President, GPA, Mr Sudesh Thakur, Secretary, GPA, Mr & Mrs Ishwar Kale, parents of Ms Sakshi Kale, Ms Purnkala Samant, Principal, Govt College for Arts Science & Commerce (GCASC), Khandola, along with other senior Sesa Goa executives.
Speaking on the occasion Mr Navin Jaju congratulated Ms Sakshi Kale and said “What we are doing for Ms Sakshi Kale is an outcome of her philosophy of ‘giving back’ meaningfully and we, at Vedanta Sesa Goa, are privileged to be associated with her endeavours for the sporting glory of India. Ms Sakshi is an ‘Iron Lady’ and a role model for us all, and as an organisation we are humbled to have got the opportunity to fuel her dreams. At Sesa Goa, over the years we have taken numerous measures to support the aspirations of women, through the Sesa Football Academy, through special courses at the Sesa Technical School, by onboarding more & more women in our workforce and through our Vedanta Utkarsh Scholarships. We are sure that with the support of the community, we will not only be supporting Ms Sakshi but helping create many more champions from Goa & India.”
Mr. Sudesh Thakur, Secretary, Goa Paralympic Association, said “The support extended by Vedanta Sesa Goa for Ms Sakshi Kale is extremely crucial for her progress and development. Para athletes need special attention & facilities, and which can only be provided when companies such as Sesa Goa support our players. Sesa Goa has a deep-rooted legacy of supporting sportspersons & I am sure that Ms Sakshi will only benefit from this association. The timely support augurs well for her prospects at the World Para-Athletics Grand Prix.”
Ms Sakshi Kale said that “ I am very thankful to Vedanta Sesa Goa for supporting me, this will encourage other para athletes as well. I am motivated to do well for India & this association with Sesa Goa will fuel my efforts to make a mark in the field of Para athletics.”
Ms Kale, a resident of Usgao, Goa, and a student of GCASC, Khandola, is a role model for all and has demonstrated ‘iron will’ & determination in overcoming visual impairment to create a mark for herself at the National level. It is a matter of great pride for Goa that she is now representing India at the international stage. At the upcoming ‘Grand Prix’ she will be competing in the 100m ,200m sprint and the long jump. Her recent form has been encouraging as she has had winning results in some of the recently concluded events. From the Grand Prix, Ms Kale will then proceed to represent Goa at the ‘Khelo India’ games.She is a multi discipline winner at both the Senior & Junior Para Nationals and has been regularly participating in middle distance events such as the Republic Run & the Mayem Marathon, where she stood first amongst all participants.
Prof. (Dr.) Purnakala Samant, Principal, Govt College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Khandola, -shared her thoughts on the occasion, “Sakshi is not just an athlete; she is an inspiration for the youth and I wish her the best for her upcoming Her dedication towards achieving excellence is commendable, and we wish her the best for her upcoming championships. Vedanta Sesa Goa supporting her for her sporting endeavours is a tremendous development and will surely boost her performance. Sesa Goa has made significant contributions for the betterment of the youth, students and sportsman. Their Vedanta Sesa Goa has a long standing legacy of supporting sportsmen and women and the success of the Sesa Football Academy & Vedanta Women’s League in creating a footballing ecosystem for boys & girls has been tremendous. Recently the SFA Senior Women’s Team also won the 8th edition of the VWL.
In addition, the Vedanta Ultimate Badminton League has also helped support the sport in Goa. Sesa Goa regularly partners clubs and societies in organising runs & marathons as also cricket tournaments across Goa.
Mumbai, 4th February, 2025: Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, recognised Mr. Pranav Soorma, an Officer of the Bank and recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award 2024.
At the Paris Paralympic Games 2024, Mr. Soorma won a Silver Medal for India in the Men’s F51 Club Throw event. He was presented with the Arjuna Award 2024 on January 17, 2025 for his outstanding achievements in Para Athletics and for bringing glory to the nation.
Shri Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Baroda said, “Pranav’s remarkable accomplishments are a result of his relentless dedication and perseverance, and as an organisation we stand by him as he continues to make the country proud. Our sports quota initiative is designed to support and empower talented individuals by providing them with the necessary institutional backing to excel in their chosen field. We remain committed to fostering a culture that nurtures talented sportspeople like Pranav and encourages excellence in all spheres of life.”
Shri Chand honoured Mr. Soorma in recognition of his accomplishments by granting an out of turn promotion as Manager, a cash reward of Rupees Ten Lakh and acknowledging as a ‘Sportsperson’ within the Bank.
About Bank of Baroda Founded on 20th July, 1908 by Sir Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, Bank of Baroda is one of the leading commercial banks in India. At 63.97% stake, it is majorly owned by the Government of India. The Bank serves its global customer base of ~165 million through over 70,000 touch points spread across 17 countries in five continents and through its various digital banking platforms, which provide all banking products and services in a seamless and hassle-free manner. The Bank’s vision matches the aspirations of its diverse clientele base and seeks to instil a sense of trust and security in all their dealings with the Bank.
