Indian para-athlete Praveen Kumar has once again made headlines by clinching the gold medal in the men’s T64 high jump event at the Paris Paralympics on September 6, 2024. This remarkable achievement not only adds another feather to his cap but also sets a new Asian record with a jump of 2.08 meters.
Praveen Kumar’s redemption from early life struggles
Born in Govindgarh, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Praveen Kumar’s journey to the top has been nothing short of inspirational. Born with a shorter leg, Praveen faced numerous challenges growing up. Initially, he struggled with feelings of inferiority, but sports became his refuge. He started with volleyball, a sport he loved, but his life took a pivotal turn when he participated in a high jump event at an able-bodied athletics competition.
Rise to Prominence
Under the guidance of Dr Satyapal Singh, a para-athletics coach who recognized his potential, Praveen shifted his focus to the high jump. This decision proved to be a game-changer. He quickly rose through the ranks, winning a gold medal at the Asian Para Games 2022 with a jump of 2.05 meters, breaking the Asian record. His success continued with a silver medal at the World Para Athletics Junior Championship in 2019 and a gold medal at the World Para Athletics FAZZA Grand Prix in 2021.
Tokyo 2020 Paralympics
Praveen Kumar first gained international recognition at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, where he became the youngest para-athlete to win a medal. He secured a silver medal in the men’s high jump T64 category with an impressive jump of 2.07 meters. This achievement marked a significant moment for Indian athletics and set the stage for his future successes.
Paris 2024 Paralympics
At the Paris Paralympics, Praveen Kumar’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. Competing in the men’s T64 high jump event, he faced stiff competition from athletes around the world. USA’s Derek Loccident claimed the silver with a best jump of 2.06 meters, while Uzbekistan’s Temurbek Giyazov, who notched a personal best of 2.03 meters, finished third.
🇮🇳🥇 𝗚𝗢𝗟𝗗 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗣𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗘𝗡! A sensational effort from Praveen Kumar to win the gold medal in the men's high jump T64 event. This is also his second-ever Paralympic medal.
🥈 – Tokyo 2020
🥇 – Paris 2024👉 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 @sportwalkmedia 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲… pic.twitter.com/dkMzdbCrKa
— Sportwalk Media (@sportwalkmedia) September 6, 2024
Praveen’s season-best jump of 2.08 meters not only secured him the gold medal but also set a new Asian record. This achievement makes him only the second Indian high jumper, after Mariyappan Thangavelu, to win gold at the Paralympics.
At just 21 years old, Praveen Kumar’s future in para-athletics looks incredibly promising. With his talent, dedication, and the right support, he has the potential to achieve even greater heights in the coming years. His journey serves as an inspiration to all, proving that with determination and hard work, no obstacle is insurmountable.
