High jumper Sarvesh Kushare, who has qualified for the Paris Olympics, credits Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra for boosting his confidence. Kushare, who previously struggled to secure his place, revealed that Chopra’s advice to “just focus on training and not be intimidated by opponents” has been instrumental in his preparation for the Games.

Kushare, who initially faced uncertainty about making the Paris Games cut, has now qualified through the world ranking quota. The automatic qualification mark for the Paris Games was set at 2.33 meters, a standard Kushare has managed to meet.

Reflecting on his journey, Kushare noted the contrast between his humble beginnings and his current achievement. From training on a makeshift mat crafted from fodder to becoming the first Indian high jumper to qualify for the Olympics, his progress has been remarkable.

The support and guidance from Chopra, a figure of immense success and experience, have played a pivotal role in Kushare’s preparation and mindset. As he gears up for the Paris Games, Kushare’s story stands as a testament to resilience and the impact of mentorship.

Key Points:

• High jumper Sarvesh Kushare credits Neeraj Chopra’s advice for boosting his confidence.
• Kushare qualified for the Paris Olympics through the world ranking quota with a mark of 2.33m.
• His journey from training on a makeshift mat to Olympic qualification highlights significant progress.

Kushare’s upcoming performance in Paris will be closely watched as he represents India in high jumping, bringing with him the lessons and encouragement from one of the country’s leading athletes.