India’s Paralympic contingent continued their impressive run at the Paris Games, adding two more medals to their haul on Day 10. Praveen Kumar, a 21-year-old high jumper from Noida, captured the hearts of the nation by securing a gold medal in the men’s high jump T64 category. Starting with a height of 1.89 meters, Praveen effortlessly cleared seven jumps in his first attempt, showcasing his remarkable talent and determination. He went on to set a new Asian record and personal best of 2.08 meters, securing victory ahead of Derek Loccident from the USA and Temurbek Giyazov from Uzbekistan. This victory marked an upgrade from his silver medal win at the Tokyo Paralympics.
Praveen’s journey to success is particularly inspiring. Born with a short leg, he faced numerous challenges growing up, struggling with feelings of inadequacy. He found solace in sports, initially playing volleyball, but his true passion was ignited when he participated in a high jump event at an able-bodied athletics competition. This gold medal win solidifies his status as a true champion, joining the ranks of Sharad Kumar and Mariyappan Thangavelu, the other two Indian high jumpers to win medals in Paris.
Meanwhile, Hokato Hotozhe Sema, a soldier in the Indian Army, brought home a bronze medal in the men’s shot put F57 category. Sema, who lost his left leg in a landmine blast during a military operation in 2002, showcased exceptional grit and determination, achieving a personal best of 14.65 meters. The F57 category is reserved for field athletes who compete while seated and have limb deficiencies or other impairments that don’t fit into other classes. This bronze medal victory is a testament to his unwavering spirit and dedication to the sport.
With these two medal wins, India’s total medal count at the Paris Paralympics rose to 27, including six gold, nine silver, and 12 bronze medals. This remarkable performance surpassed all pre-Games projections, and with one day of competition remaining, the nation eagerly anticipates further success from its para-athletes.
