On Friday, Praveen Kumar created history by winning gold for the men’s high jump T64 event of the Paralympics 2024 held in Paris. Climbing the bar at 2. 08 meters, with this jump, Praveen again won the second consecutive Paralympic medal, improved his record, and became the holder of the Asian record. His previous best, 2. 07 meters, had given him a silver medal in the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021.
Praveen Kumar, at the youthful age of 21 years, is a force to reckon with in the high jump, having become the third Indian to win a medal at the Paris Paralympics in this category. He was accompanied by Sharad Kumar and Mariyappan Thangavelu, who also made India proud in the men’s high jump T63 event. In this event, Sharad clinched the silver while Mariyappan won the bronze.
This victory makes Praveen the latest name to contribute to India’s rich collection of medals at the Paralympics in Paris. Therefore, it has garnished 26 medals, of which six are gold, nine silver, and 11 bronze. This win has seen India achieve its biggest feat in the Paralympics by outdoing its previous feat in the Tokyo Paralympics, which was five golds, proving the growth of the nation’s dominance in para-athletics.
This accomplishment proves that Praveen is very talented and hardworking and shows that India is gradually rising as a power in the world Paralympics. This has shown that he was determined and consistent in his endeavours and has become a role model for para-athletes in Nigeria. Therefore, Praveen’s story of success, with the latest personal best and an Asian record in a sling spell, gives more hope of further wins in the future and adds to the growing pride in Indian Paralympic sports.
Check here for the latest updates in Hindi.