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Praveen Kumar, a 21-year-old athlete from Noida, India, has etched his name in Paralympic history by securing the gold medal in the men's high jump T64 event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Clearing a remarkable height of 2.08 meters, Kumar not only stood atop the podium but also celebrated his second consecutive Paralympic medal, having previously won silver at the Tokyo 2021 games. This victory marks a significant milestone for Kumar, who was born with a shorter leg, as he becomes only the second Indian to achieve a gold medal in Paralympic high jump competitions, joining the esteemed ranks of Mariyappan Thangavelu.
Kumar's triumph was a testament to his unwavering dedication and exceptional talent. He surpassed his previous personal best of 2.07 meters, set in Tokyo, demonstrating remarkable progress and a commitment to pushing his limits. His outstanding jump outpaced five other competitors, solidifying his position as the champion in the T64 category, which is designated for athletes experiencing moderate movement impairment in one lower leg or those missing one or both legs below the knee. The silver medal went to the US' Derek Loccident, who recorded a best jump of 2.06 meters, while Uzbekistan's Temurbek Giyazov captured bronze with a personal best of 2.03 meters.
Kumar's victory further contributes to India's growing success at the 2024 Paralympics. He becomes the third Indian high jumper to win a medal in Paris, following Sharad Kumar's silver and Thangavelu's bronze in the men's high jump T63 event. With this accomplishment, India's overall medal tally at the Games has reached a commendable 26, including six gold, nine silver, and eleven bronze medals. This remarkable performance showcases the unwavering spirit and athleticism of Indian para-athletes on the global stage.
Kumar's journey to success has been shaped by the guidance and support of his dedicated mentor, Dr Satyapal Singh, a prominent para-athletics coach. Under Dr Singh's mentorship, Kumar shifted his focus to high jump, a decision that proved pivotal in shaping his career trajectory. This strategic shift led to a series of spectacular achievements, including a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Para Games, where he set a new Asian record with a jump of 2.05 meters.
Kumar's accolades extend beyond his recent triumph in Paris. He has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the international stage, securing 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. Most recently, he claimed bronze at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championship, solidifying his reputation as a top contender in the para-athletics arena and securing his place at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Praveen Kumar's journey exemplifies the power of perseverance, determination, and unwavering belief in one's abilities. His remarkable achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating that with dedication and hard work, even the most challenging obstacles can be overcome. As he stands atop the podium in Paris, Kumar has not only secured a gold medal but has also etched his name in the annals of Paralympic history as a true champion.
Source: Praveen Kumar clinches India's 6th gold medal at 2024 Paris Paralympic in men's high jump T64