On an overcast and chilly Monday evening in Glasgow, Indian Army man Sarvesh Kushare quietly scripted one of the most inspiring chapters in Indian athletics history.The 31-year-old Kushare became the first Indian to win a high jump silver medal in the Commonwealth Games' 136-year history, clearing a best of 2.25m in the final."This is my first major medal; I was just participating everywhere else, so I just aimed to give my 100% in everything," said Kushare after winning his medal in Glasgow.Sarvesh Kushare was one of three Indians in the men's high jump final. While he watched the other two fall out of medal contention, he kept fighting and secured a podium finish for India.In tough, cold conditions that caused cramps for many athletes due to the stop-start nature of the high jump, Kushare made a strong start, clearing his first four heights, including 2.20m, on his very first attempt.However, he suddenly found himself slipping from the leading pack after failing his first two attempts at 2.25m. But he dug deep on his third attempt, cleared the bar, and sealed a medal for India.Although he failed all three attempts at 2.28m, just like gold medallist Romaine Beckford of Jamaica, he had already secured the silver medal on countback."The Commonwealth and Asian Games offer you a big platform. You wait four years for these moments, so winning a medal means a lot. Such events also push you towards the Olympics," said a jubilant Kushare.From makeshift pit to historic podiumBorn into a farmer's family in Maharashtra, Sarvesh Kushare's father worked on onion farms and initially wanted his son to pursue academics and become an engineer.However, Sarvesh had a different dream. From a young age, he chose the path of athletics. Though his father had other aspirations for him, he fully supported his…
This report has been adapted by the PurePlay Sports Desk from coverage by The Hindu Sportstar, NDTV Sports, Khel Now, The Bridge, Google News — India Sports.