Praveen Kumar clinched the gold medal in the men’s high jump T64 event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. He cleared 2.08 meters, marking his second consecutive Paralympic medal. In 2021, Praveen won a silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympics with a personal best of 2.07 meters. His latest victory continues his impressive international success.
Historic Achievement for India
The 21-year-old athlete from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, became only the second Indian to win gold in Paralympic high jump, after Mariyappan Thangavelu. Born with a shorter leg, Praveen’s season-best jump of 2.08 meters earned him the top spot in a field of six competitors.
Derek Loccident of the USA won silver with a jump of 2.06 meters, while Uzbekistan’s Temurbek Giyazov secured bronze with a personal best of 2.03 meters. Praveen competes under the T44 classification, which is for athletes with low or moderate leg impairments. The T64 category includes those with moderate movement impairments or those missing one or both legs below the knee.
India’s Paralympic Success
Praveen is now the third Indian high jumper to medal in Paris. Sharad Kumar won silver, and Mariyappan Thangavelu took bronze in the men’s high jump T63 event. India’s total medal count at the 2024 Paralympics has reached 26, with six gold, nine silver, and 11 bronze medals.
Who Is Praveen Kumar?
Praveen Kumar, from Govindgarh, Noida, made history as the youngest Indian para-athlete to win a medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. His silver medal in the T64 high jump event, with a jump of 2.07 meters, was a landmark achievement for Indian athletics.
Born with a shorter leg, Praveen struggled with self-esteem issues during his early years. He found solace in sports, initially playing volleyball with friends. His breakthrough came when he competed in a high jump event at an able-bodied competition, realizing his potential as a para-athlete.
A Remarkable Journey
Under the guidance of coach Dr. Satyapal Singh, Praveen focused on high jump, a decision that changed his career. In 2022, he won gold at the Asian Para Games, setting a new Asian record with a jump of 2.05 meters.
Praveen’s accolades include a silver medal at the 2019 World Para Athletics Junior Championship in Switzerland and a gold medal at the 2021 World Para Athletics FAZZA Grand Prix in Dubai, where he set another Asian record. In 2023, he added a bronze medal at the World Para Athletics Championship, securing his spot at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
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Praveen Kumar continues to inspire and make India proud with his achievements on the global stage.
