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Praveen Kumar's victory in the men's high jump T64 final at the Paris Paralympics showcases a powerful testament to the strength of focusing on personal growth over external validation. Kumar, entering the competition with an unwavering focus on exceeding his personal best, disregarded the pressure of securing a medal, ultimately achieving a feat that surpassed even his own expectations.
The 21-year-old from Noida, India, had faced setbacks prior to the Paralympics, suffering an injury that hampered his performance at the Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships. However, Kumar's resilience and dedication shone through as he meticulously addressed his injury and meticulously honed his technique. This dedication led to a remarkable display of precision and control during the final, culminating in a new Asian record with a jump of 2.08m.
Kumar's approach serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the power of prioritizing self-improvement over external pressures. His unwavering focus on personal growth allowed him to transcend limitations and achieve a remarkable victory, not only for himself but for India as well. Kumar's journey highlights the profound impact of setting personal goals and diligently pursuing them, even amidst challenges and uncertainties. His victory stands as a testament to the transformative power of dedication and the enduring spirit of an athlete who dared to focus on his own potential.
Source: Praveen Kumar’s golden mantra at Paris Paralympics: Target personal best, no medal thoughts