Praveen Kumar was born in Govindgarh, Noida, Uttar Pradesh. He is a well-known para-athlete who made history by winning a silver medal in the men's high jump T64 category at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. He jumped 2.07 meters, which was a big achievement for Indian athletics.
Overcoming Obstacles
Praveen faced many challenges. He was born with a shorter leg and felt different from others. To overcome this, he started playing sports with friends and found a love for volleyball. His life changed when he competed in a high jump event and saw that athletes with disabilities could have great opportunities.
Career Turning Point
With the help of Dr. Satyapal Singh, a coach who saw Praveen’s potential, he focused on high jump. This was a key moment in his career. He won a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Para Games, setting a new Asian record with a 2.05-meter jump.
Achievements
Praveen has won many medals. He got a silver medal at the 2019 World Para Athletics Junior Championship in Nottwil, Switzerland, and a gold medal at the 2021 World Para Athletics FAZZA Grand Prix in Dubai, where he set another Asian record. He also won a bronze medal at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championship, which helped him qualify for the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Paris 2024 Paralympics
At the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Praveen won a gold medal in the men's high jump T64 event by clearing 2.08 meters. This made him the second Indian to win gold in Paralympic high jump, after Mariyappan Thangavelu. Praveen had previously won silver at the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics with a jump of 2.07 meters.
Current Status
Praveen’s achievement in Paris was remarkable. He jumped 2.08 meters in a field of six competitors, earning the top spot. Derek Loccident from the USA took silver with 2.06 meters, and TemurbekGiyazov from Uzbekistan won bronze with 2.03 meters. Praveen competes in the T44 category, which is for athletes with lower leg movement affected moderately.
Legacy
With this win, Praveen became the third Indian high jumper to medal in Paris, joining Sharad Kumar and Mariyappan Thangavelu. India's total medal count at the Paris Paralympics is now 26: six gold, nine silver, and eleven bronze.
