Praveen Kumar Wins Gold at Paris Paralympics 2024, Sets New Asian Record

India’s Praveen Kumar wins gold in the Men’s High Jump T64 at the Paris Paralympics 2024, setting a new Asian Record with a jump of 2.08m!

India’s para-athletics star, Praveen Kumar, has once again proven his mettle on the global stage by winning the gold medal in the Men’s High Jump T64 event at the Paris Paralympics 2024. His remarkable jump of 2.08 metres not only secured him the top podium spot but also set a new Asian Record. At just 21 years of age, Praveen’s victory brings India’s overall medal tally at the Paralympics to 26, including six golds, nine silvers, and 11 bronze medals.

Praveen’s triumph at the Paris Paralympics marks a significant milestone in his career, as he builds on the silver medal he won in his debut at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. This gold medal further cements his status as one of India’s top para-athletes, and his record-breaking performance is a testament to his dedication and skill.

A Stellar Performance in Paris

Praveen Kumar’s journey to gold at the Paris Paralympics was nothing short of extraordinary. He began his campaign in the final by clearing 1.89 metres, skipping earlier attempts at 1.80 and 1.85 metres. From there, he went on to clear each subsequent attempt in his first try, all the way up to his record-setting jump of 2.08 metres. Though he narrowly missed the 2.10-metre mark in three attempts, his earlier efforts were enough to secure the gold medal and set a new Asian Record.

Praveen’s competitors in the event also performed admirably. USA’s Derek Loccident claimed silver with a jump of 2.06 metres, setting a new Paralympic Record, while Uzbekistan’s Temurbek Giyazov took bronze with a personal best of 2.03 metres.

From Tokyo Silver to Paris Gold

Praveen Kumar’s ascent to the top of the Paralympics podium has been marked by a steady progression of achievements. His debut in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics saw him clinch a silver medal in the same High Jump T64 category with an impressive leap of 2.07 metres. At the time, this made him the youngest para-athlete from India to win a medal on such a prestigious stage.

In Paris, however, Praveen not only bettered his previous performance but also set a new benchmark for high jumpers across Asia. His leap of 2.08 metres is now the highest ever recorded by an Asian athlete in the T64 category.

Overcoming Challenges: Praveen Kumar’s Inspiring Journey

Praveen Kumar’s journey to becoming a world-class para-athlete has been one of perseverance and determination. Born in Govindgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Praveen was born with a shorter leg, a condition that led to early struggles with self-esteem. Despite this challenge, he found solace in sports, initially taking up volleyball to stay active and social.

It was during an able-bodied athletics competition where he participated in the high jump that Praveen discovered his true passion. His natural talent for the event caught the attention of para-athletics coach Dr. Satyapal Singh, who encouraged him to pursue high jumping professionally. Under Dr. Singh’s mentorship, Praveen dedicated himself to the sport, and the results speak for themselves.

A Record-Breaking Career

Praveen’s achievements extend far beyond his Paralympic success. In 2022, he won a gold medal at the Asian Para Games, breaking the Asian Record with a jump of 2.05 metres. His remarkable performance continued at the World Para Athletics FAZZA Grand Prix 2021 in Dubai, where he also secured gold with a record-setting effort.

In 2023, Praveen added a bronze medal to his growing list of accolades at the World Para Athletics Championship, further proving that he is a force to be reckoned with in the high jump category. His consistent performances earned him a qualification spot for the Paris 2024 Paralympics, where he would go on to achieve his greatest triumph yet.

India’s Impressive Medal Tally at Paris Paralympics 2024

Praveen Kumar’s gold medal win is not only a personal victory but also a boost to overall India’s medal tally at the Paris Paralympics 2024. His gold brings India’s total count to 26 medals, including nine silver and 11 bronze, marking one of the country’s most successful outings at the Paralympics.
India’s para-athletes have shown remarkable strength and resilience in Paris, excelling in various events such as athletics, badminton, and shooting. With several medals still up for grabs, India is poised to continue its dominance in the world of para-sports.

Looking Ahead: Praveen Kumar’s Bright Future

At just 21 years old, Praveen Kumar’s future in para-athletics looks incredibly promising. With a Paralympic silver and gold under his belt, along with multiple records, he is on a trajectory to become one of India’s greatest athletes. His resilience in the face of adversity and his ability to consistently perform on the global stage are qualities that will inspire generations of athletes to come.

As Praveen continues to compete and push the boundaries of his sport, there is little doubt that he will remain a dominant figure in the high jump T64 category for years to come. His success is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the growing prowess of Indian para-athletics on the world stage.