India had a memorable day at the Paralympic Games on September 6, with high jumper Praveen Kumar winning a gold medal and making the country proud. Praveen, who previously won a silver in Tokyo, secured the top spot in the men’s high jump T64 event in Paris, breaking the Asian record with an impressive jump of 2.08 meters.
This victory not only added another gold to India’s medal tally but also helped the country surpass nations like Canada and South Korea in the overall Paralympics standings. India now has a total of 26 medals, including six golds, nine silvers, and eleven bronzes. This is India’s best-ever performance in a single Paralympic Games, and the medal count is expected to grow.
Praveen, who hails from Noida, was born with a condition that affects the bones connecting his hip to his left leg. Despite the challenges, he has risen to the top of the world in his sport. At just 21 years old, he has already made a significant mark in the world of para athletics. In this event, American Derek Locident won the silver with a jump of 2.06 meters, and Uzbekistan’s Temurbek Giyazov claimed the bronze with a personal best of 2.03 meters.
Praveen Kumar: The Inspiring Journey of India’s Para-Athlete Star
Praveen’s journey to this gold medal began with a successful jump at 1.89 meters, which helped him secure the top position early in the competition. The battle for gold between Praveen and Locident was intense, but Praveen’s determination and skill helped him come out on top. This performance was also his personal best, following his bronze at the 2023 World Championships.
Praveen Kumar Wins Gold at Paris Paralympics: A Story of Determination and Success
Praveen joins the ranks of Sharad Kumar and Mariyappan Thangavelu, who also won medals in the high jump in Paris. Sharad took home silver, and Thangavelu won bronze in the men’s high jump T63 event earlier in the Games. India’s athletes continue to shine, breaking records and achieving new heights on the international stage.
