Indian athletics has been rewriting its story on the global stage over the past decade. From Neeraj Chopra’s Olympic and World Championship titles in javelin to Parul Chaudhary’s medal in distance running, the boundaries of possibility for Indian athletes are constantly being stretched. On 14 September 2025 in Tokyo, history was made yet again Sarvesh Kushare became the first Indian to qualify for the final of the men’s high jump at the World Athletics Championships.
By clearing 2.25m in qualification, Sarvesh secured his place among the world’s top 13 athletes, finishing 9th overall. For India, traditionally an outsider in technical events like the high jump, this is already a breakthrough moment. But now that Sarvesh has entered uncharted territory, the question arises: what is the realistic expectation from him in the final?
The Final Line-Up: World-Class Competition
The men’s high jump final in Tokyo is stacked with talent. The field includes Olympic champions, seasoned finalists, and young prodigies. Among the 13 qualifiers are four Asian athletes:
🇰🇷 Woo Sanghyeok (KOR) – World Indoor Champion, PB 2.36m, SB 2.34m
🇮🇳 Sarvesh Anil Kushare (IND) – PB 2.27m, SB 2.26m
🇯🇵 Yuto Seko (JPN) – PB 2.33m, SB 2.33m
🇯🇵 Ryoichi Akamatsu (JPN) – PB 2.31m, SB 2.26m
For India, it is particularly significant that Sarvesh is part of this Asian contingent, symbolizing the region’s rising presence in a discipline long dominated by European and Middle Eastern jumpers. The progression of heights in the final is set as: 2.20m → 2.24m → 2.28m → 2.31m → 2.34m → 2.36m.
For Sarvesh, this sequence is both daunting and exciting. His PB (2.27m) was set in 2022, while his SB (2.26m) came earlier this season. This means the critical bar of 2.28m likely to be the cut-off for the top six or even a medal would demand nothing short of a lifetime best.
Understanding the Medal Zone
History offers a clear benchmark. Over the last three editions of the World Championships, medals were decided at 2.33m or higher:
- 2023 Budapest: Tamberi (2.36m), Harrison (2.36m), Barshim (2.33m)
- 2022 Oregon: Barshim (2.37m), Woo (2.35m), Protsenko (2.33m)
- 2019 Doha: Barshim (2.37m), Akimenko (2.35m), Ivanyuk (2.35m)
Even at the Olympics, the medal zone has remained high:
2024 Paris: Kerr (2.36m), McEwen (2.36m), Barshim (2.34m)
2020 Tokyo: Barshim & Tamberi (2.37m), Nedasekau (2.37m)
Thus, to win a medal in Tokyo 2025, an athlete will likely need 2.33m–2.36m. For Sarvesh, whose PB is 2.27m, this represents a gap of at least 6–9cm an almost impossible margin to bridge in one competition.
What Is Realistically Possible for Sarvesh?
- Clearing 2.20m and 2.24m cleanly: The first two heights should be well within his range. Starting strong without wasted attempts will keep him competitive and in rhythm.
- Attempting 2.28m with confidence: This is the make-or-break bar for Sarvesh. Clearing it would give him a new lifetime best, place him in the top 8, and possibly put him in the fight for 6th or 7th position.
- Aiming for a PB (2.27m or better): For Indian athletics, even a single centimeter improvement would be a landmark. If he breaks through the 2.28m barrier, he will become only the second Indian after Tejaswin Shankar (2021, USA) to clear that height.
- Targeting a Top-8 Finish: Given the field which includes Woo, Kerr, Doroshchuk, Harrison, and Stefela a top-8 finish would be a realistic and commendable goal. This would also qualify him for funding and invitations to major global circuits.
The Wider Historical Context
The high jump has always been an event of fine margins. Championship history shows that medals can sometimes be decided on countback (fewer misses) rather than raw height. The smallest winning margins have been razor-thin, including the 2023 Worlds where Tamberi and Harrison tied at 2.36m, and Tamberi won on fewer failed attempts. Occasionally, championships have produced surprises when conditions played a role. The lowest winning marks in World Championship history stand at 2.32m (1983, 2005, 2009). If the Tokyo final turns into such a tactical battle, it could bring the bar closer to Sarvesh’s territory.
Lessons from Domestic Meets
Sarvesh has repeatedly come close to breaking his PB and the national record in domestic competitions, missing by the narrowest of margins. His qualification jump of 2.25m in Tokyo was a sign of maturity, as he handled the pressure well. What he needs now is to carry that composure into the final and channel the adrenaline of competing against world-class athletes. It is significant that Sarvesh is part of a broader Asian resurgence in the event. Woo Sanghyeok has already medalled at Worlds and Olympics.
Mutaz Essa Barshim remains the benchmark as a three-time World Champion. Japan’s double presence in this final underlines growing depth in Asia.
For India, Sarvesh reaching the final is a step similar to what Neeraj Chopra’s qualification once was in the javelin a signal that the barrier has been broken. Even without a medal, his performance could inspire the next generation.
Projecting the Final
- Most Likely Outcome: Sarvesh clears 2.24m, attempts 2.28m, and finishes between 9th–11th
- Best-Case Scenario: He clears 2.28m (PB) and secures a top-8 finish.
- Dream Scenario: A 2.31m clearance (a 4cm PB jump) that could place him in contention for 6th or higher.
The gold medal, however, will almost certainly go beyond 2.34m, keeping it out of reach for Sarvesh this time.
Even if Sarvesh does not reach the podium, his presence in the final itself is historic. It demonstrates that Indian athletes can now compete in technical field events at the very highest level. Every centimetre he adds in Tokyo will be a gain not just for himself but for Indian athletics as a whole.
If Neeraj Chopra opened the door for throwers, Sarvesh Kushare is beginning to crack the ceiling for high jumpers.
For Sarvesh Kushare, the Tokyo final is not just about medals it is about proving he belongs among the best. The realistic expectation is a PB attempt at 2.28m and a top-8 finish, with medals requiring a miracle beyond 2.33m. No matter the outcome, the fact remains: an Indian is in the men’s high jump final at the World Championships for the first time ever. That, in itself, is a leap worth celebrating.
