India’s para-athlete Praveen Kumar has once again made the country proud by winning a gold medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024 in the T64 men’s high jump event. With an outstanding jump of 2.08 meters, Praveen not only secured the gold but also set a new Asian record. This victory marked India’s 26th medal in the Paralympics and its sixth gold. But who is Praveen Kumar, and how did he reach such great heights? Let’s explore his inspiring story.
Born with Short Legs, Praveen Faced Many Challenges
Praveen Kumar was born on 15 May 2003 in Govindgarh, Noida, Uttar Pradesh. From a young age, he faced many physical challenges. He was born with short legs, which made it difficult for him to fit in with other children. But instead of giving up, Praveen turned to sports to overcome his feelings of insecurity. His first love was volleyball, a game that helped him develop confidence and strength.
How Praveen Found High Jump
Though Praveen enjoyed playing volleyball, his life changed when he participated in a high jump event during an able-bodied competition. His talent was noticed by Dr. Satyapal Singh, a para-athletics coach, who encouraged Praveen to focus on high jump. This decision became a turning point in Praveen’s life, leading him to discover his true potential in the world of para-athletics.
Rising Through International Competitions
Praveen’s journey in international sports began when he won a silver medal at the 2019 World Para Athletics Junior Championships in Switzerland. After this, there was no looking back. In 2021, at the Para Athletics FAZZA Grand Prix in Dubai, he clinched the gold medal with an Asian record. His performance continued to improve, and in 2022, Praveen won the gold medal at the Asian Para Games, setting another Asian record with a jump of 2.05 meters.
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Tokyo Paralympics and Beyond
At just 18 years old, Praveen made history at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics by winning a silver medal in the men’s high jump T64 category. His jump of 2.07 meters made him the youngest Indian para-athlete to achieve such success at the Paralympics.
In 2023, Praveen added to his medal tally by winning a bronze at the World Para Athletics Championships, proving once again that he is a force to be reckoned with in his category.
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A Golden Moment in Paris 2024
Praveen’s latest achievement at the Paris Paralympics 2024 has cemented his place as one of India’s top para-athletes. His dedication, hard work, and determination to overcome his challenges have made him an inspiration for millions. With his latest gold medal, Praveen has shown that no obstacle is too big to overcome with the right mindset and support.
