Aadarsh Ram’s strong form in 2026 continued as he delivered a brilliant performance at the Indian Athletics Series – 1 in Bengaluru, winning the men’s high jump with a new personal best of 2.23m.
He looked confident and composed throughout the competition, clearing 2.23m with ease to finish comfortably in first place. This mark improved his previous personal best of 2.21m, which he had achieved last year at the Inter-State Athletics Championships, where he won the silver medal.
Aadarsh has been in excellent form this season. Earlier in 2026, he secured the first international medal of his career, winning bronze at the Asian Indoor Championships with a best jump of 2.19m.
Interestingly, Aadarsh was originally set to begin his outdoor season at the Indian Open Jumps competition. However, he had to skip the event due to rehabilitation. Speaking to NNIS Sports, he said, “I will not take part in the Indian Open Jumps as I am undergoing rehabilitation. I will open my outdoor season at the Indian Athletics Series 1 in Bengaluru.”
That decision clearly paid off, as he returned fresh and delivered his best-ever performance.
Meanwhile, World Championships 2025 finalist Sarvesh Kushare also showed signs of regaining form. He cleared a season-best 2.23m at the same competition, matching Aadarsh’s winning mark.
However, Kushare’s 2026 season has been a mixed one so far. He started the year by winning gold at the Indian Open Jumps in Bengaluru with a modest 2.16m. He then competed at the National Indoor Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar, where he was surprisingly beaten by local athlete Swadhin Kumar, settling for silver with a jump of 2.15m.
After his impressive performances on the international stage last year, expectations were high from Kushare, but his season has not begun as strongly as anticipated.
Still, his 2.23m effort in Bengaluru is a positive sign and suggests that he is getting back to his best.
With Aadarsh Ram hitting new heights and Sarvesh Kushare finding rhythm again, Indian high jump looks set for an exciting season ahead.