Praveen Kumar – Paris Paralympics 2024 : India’s Praveen Kumar has once again made the nation proud, securing a gold medal in the Men’s High Jump T64 event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. This victory not only marks his second consecutive Paralympic medal but also places him among the elite Indian athletes in para sports.
Let’s have a look into more details: Praveen Kumar – Paris Paralympics 2024
On Friday, the 21 year old athlete from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, achieved a personal best jump of 2.08 meters, earning him the top spot on the podium. With this remarkable performance, Praveen outshined his competitors, including Derek Loccident from the USA, who secured silver with a jump of 2.06 meters, and Temurbek Giyazov from Uzbekistan, who claimed bronze with a personal-best jump of 2.03 meters.
Praveen’s gold in the T64 classification (for athletes with lower limb impairments) is a monumental achievement, solidifying his place as one of India’s top para athletes. He also broke the Asian record during his incredible performance, further cementing his legacy on the international stage.
Praveen’s Journey to the Top
Praveen Kumar’s path to Paralympic glory has been nothing short of inspirational. Born with a shorter leg, Praveen initially battled feelings of insecurity but found solace and purpose in sports. His journey took a significant turn when he transitioned from volleyball to high jump under the guidance of his coach, Dr. Satyapal Singh. This change led to a string of successes, including a silver medal at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics and a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Para Games, where he set an Asian record of 2.05 meters.
India’s Success at Paris Paralympics 2024
Praveen’s gold in Paris adds to India’s growing medal tally at the 2024 Paralympics, bringing the country’s total to 26 medals, including six golds, nine silvers, and eleven bronzes. This tally has boosted India into the top 20 nations, showcasing the country’s growing dominance in para-sports on the global stage.
Praveen now joins the ranks of elite Indian Paralympic athletes like Mariyappan Thangavelu, the only other Indian to win gold in high jump at the Paralympics. This achievement is a testament to Praveen’s perseverance, talent, and dedication to the sport.
At just 21 years old, Praveen Kumar’s future in para athletics looks incredibly promising. With a string of accomplishments, including medals at the World Para Athletics Championships and the FAZZA Grand Prix, Praveen is poised to continue his reign as one of the top athletes in his category.
His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring para-athletes across the globe, proving that with hard work and determination, one can overcome any challenge and rise to greatness. India will undoubtedly be cheering for Praveen as he continues to make history in the world of para sports.
FAQs
Who is Praveen Kumar?
Praveen Kumar is an Indian para athlete from Uttar Pradesh, known for winning gold in the Men’s High Jump T64 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics
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