He is only the second Indian athlete, after Mariyappan Thangavelu to win gold in the Paralympic high jump...
Digital Desk: India's Praveen Kumar clinched the gold medal in the men’s high jump T64 event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, clearing an impressive 2.08 meters. This victory not only highlights his remarkable consistency but also marks his second consecutive Paralympic medal. Praveen, who had previously secured a silver at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics with a personal best jump of 2.07 meters, continues to shine on the international stage.
At just 21 years old, Praveen Kumar from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, has achieved a significant milestone in Paralympic history. He is only the second Indian athlete, after Mariyappan Thangavelu, to win gold in Paralympic high jump competitions. Born with a shorter leg, Praveen’s performance in Paris demonstrated his exceptional skill and determination. His season-best jump of 2.08 meters in a competitive field of six athletes secured him the top spot on the podium.
The event saw strong performances from international competitors as well. USA’s Derek Loccident earned the silver with a best jump of 2.06 meters, while Uzbekistan’s Temurbek Giyazov, who achieved a personal best of 2.03 meters, finished in third place. Praveen competed under the T44 classification, which is designated for athletes with lower leg movement affected to a low or moderate degree. The T64 category, in which he competed, is for athletes with moderate movement impairment in one lower leg or those missing one or both legs below the knee.
Praveen Kumar’s triumph in Paris also contributes to India’s growing success at the Paralympics. With this achievement, Praveen becomes the third Indian high jumper to medal in Paris, following Sharad Kumar’s silver and Mariyappan Thangavelu’s bronze in the men’s high jump T63 event. India’s total medal count at the Paris Paralympics now stands at 26, comprising six gold, nine silver, and eleven bronze medals.
Praveen Kumar, born in Govindgarh, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, has made history as the youngest para-athlete to win a Tokyo 2020 Paralympic medal. His journey to becoming a Paralympic champion has been nothing short of inspiring. Initially struggling with feelings of inferiority due to his condition, Praveen found solace in sports. His passion for volleyball and subsequent participation in a high jump event at an able-bodied athletics competition highlighted the potential for athletes with disabilities.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Satyapal Singh, a para-athletics coach who recognized Praveen’s potential, he shifted his focus to the high jump. This pivotal decision led to significant achievements, including a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Para Games with a new Asian record of 2.05 meters. Praveen has also earned accolades at the 2019 World Para Athletics Junior Championship in Nottwil, Switzerland, and the 2021 World Para Athletics FAZZA Grand Prix in Dubai.
Most recently, Praveen secured a bronze medal at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championship, further establishing his reputation as a leading athlete in his category and securing his qualification for the Paris 2024 Paralympics. His remarkable achievements continue to inspire and highlight the exceptional talent within Indian athletics.
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