India's Praveen Kumar won the gold medal in the men's high jump T64 event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, clearing 2.08 meters to claim his second consecutive Paralympic medal. Praveen had previously secured silver at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics with a personal best of 2.07 meters, marking a remarkable continuation of his success on the international stage.

The 21-year-old athlete from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, became only the second Indian, after Mariyappan Thangavelu, to win gold in Paralympic high jump competitions. The 21-year-old athlete from Noida, born with a shorter leg, delivered a season-best jump of 2.08m in a six-competitor field to secure the top spot on the podium.

USA's Derek Loccident took silver with the best jump of 2.06m, while Uzbekistan's Temurbek Giyazov, achieving a personal best of 2.03m, finished third. Praveen competes under the T44 classification, designated for athletes with lower leg movement affected to a low or moderate degree, whereas the T64 category is for athletes with moderate movement impairment in one lower leg or those missing one or both legs below the knee.

With this achievement, Praveen became the third Indian high jumper to medal in Paris, following Sharad Kumar, who took silver, and Mariyappan Thangavelu, who earned bronze in the men's high jump T63 event. India's tally at the Paris Paralympics now stands at 26 medals: six gold, nine silver, and 11 bronze.

Born in Govindgarh, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Praveen made history as the youngest para-athlete to win a Tokyo 2020 Paralympic medal. He secured a silver medal in the men’s high jump T64 category with an outstanding jump of 2.07 meters, marking a significant moment for Indian athletics.

Praveen's journey was not without challenges. Born with a shorter leg, he initially struggled with feelings of inferiority compared to his peers. To overcome his insecurities, he turned to sports, playing with friends and discovering a passion for volleyball. His life took a pivotal turn when he participated in a high jump event at an able-bodied athletics competition, where he realized the opportunities available for athletes with disabilities.

Under the mentorship of Dr. Satyapal Singh, a para-athletics coach who recognized his potential, Praveen shifted his focus to the high jump. This decision proved to be a turning point in his career. He went on to win a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Para Games, setting a new Asian record with a jump of 2.05 meters.

Praveen's achievements extend beyond the Paralympics. He won 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 an Asian record. Most recently, he claimed a bronze medal at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championship, solidifying his reputation as a top athlete in his category and securing his qualification for the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

Source: India Today