Sept 02: Narayana Schools hosted an inspiring interaction with Shailesh Kumar, reigning World and Asian Para High Jump Champion, providing students with an opportunity to hear about his remarkable journey, achievements and experiences in para-sports.
The event was graced by Mr. Puneet Kothapa, President, Narayana Educational Institutions, and Mr. Ajay Jayaram, former India No. 1 and World No. 13 in Men’s Singles Badminton and Head of Partnerships, OGQ.
Shailesh Kumar, who was diagnosed with polio at a young age, shared his experiences, challenges and training journey, offering students an insight into the dedication and determination required to compete at the highest level. His achievements include Gold at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships and the 2022 Asian Para Games, along with a Silver at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships.
The programme featured a curtain-raiser video, a fireside conversation and an interactive Q&A session, enabling students to engage directly with the champion and learn about the journey behind his accomplishments. The interaction highlighted the importance of resilience, consistency and dedication, while inspiring students to learn from the journey of one of India’s leading para-athletes.
Students actively participated in the Q&A session, and gained valuable insights into his training, challenges, experiences and the mindset that has shaped his journey. The engagement offered students a unique opportunity to hear directly from an accomplished para-athlete and reinforced the importance of perseverance to turn dreams into achievements, a message that resonated with the institution’s ethos: your dreams are our dreams.