Indian athlete Praveen Kumar soared to a triumphant victory at the ongoing Paris Paralympics 2024, clinching the gold medal in the men’s high jump T64 event on Friday. He achieved this remarkable feat by clearing a bar set at an impressive 2.08 meters, a height that not only surpassed his previous personal best but also established a new Asian record. This victory marks Praveen’s second consecutive Paralympic medal, cementing his position as a force to be reckoned with in the world of para-athletics.
His previous achievement at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021 saw him secure a silver medal with a then-personal best jump of 2.07 meters. Now, with this golden performance, Praveen joins an exclusive group of Indian high jumpers, including Sharad Kumar and Mariyappan Thagavelu, who have earned medals at the Paris Paralympics. Sharad secured a silver medal in the men’s high jump T63 event, while Mariyappan claimed bronze in the same category.
India’s medal haul at the Paris Paralympics continues to grow, with the country now boasting a total of 26 medals — an impressive collection of six gold, nine silver, and 11 bronze. Praveen’s victory further solidifies India’s success, surpassing the five gold medals won at the Tokyo Paralympics. This remarkable performance showcases the dedication and talent of India’s para-athletes, as they continue to leave their mark on the global sporting stage.
