In a historic first for Indian athletics, Sarvesh Kushare on Sunday qualified for the men’s high jump final at the World Athletics Championships, currently underway in Tokyo. On a sweltering day at the National Stadium, the 30-year-old cleared 2.25m on his second attempt, earning his place in the 13-man final, scheduled for Tuesday evening at 5:06 PM IST.

What made the achievement even more remarkable was the absence of reigning Olympic champion Gianmarco Tamberi, who failed to make the cut for the world meet.