Paris Paralympics: Praveen Kumar Clinches Gold in Men’s High Jump T64, India’s Medal Count Hits 26

Paris: Indian athlete Praveen Kumar has secured gold in the men’s high jump T64 event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, leaping 2.08 metres. This win marks his second consecutive Paralympic medal, building on his silver from the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics where he jumped 2.07 metres.

The 21-year-old from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, becomes only the second Indian to win gold in Paralympic high jump, following Mariyappan Thangavelu.

Praveen’s remarkable performance saw him achieve a season-best jump of 2.08 metres in a competitive field of six. Derek Loccident of the USA earned silver with a 2.06-metre jump, while Uzbekistan’s Temurbek Giyazov, who achieved a personal best of 2.03 metres, took bronze.

This achievement contributes to India’s Paralympic success, with a current tally of 26 medals: six gold, nine silver and 11 bronze. Praveen’s victory follows performances by Sharad Kumar and Mariyappan Thangavelu, who both medaled in high jump events at the Paris Paralympics.

Praveen Kumar became the youngest Indian para-athlete to win a Paralympic medal at Tokyo 2020. His journey began with struggles due to his shorter leg, but his passion for sports, particularly high jump, was ignited through early experiences in volleyball and athletics.

Mentored by para-athletics coach Dr Satyapal Singh, Praveen shifted focus to high jump, leading to a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Para Games and an Asian record jump of 2.05 meters.

His accolades include a silver at the 2019 World Para Athletics Junior Championship, gold at the 2021 World Para Athletics FAZZA Grand Prix and a bronze at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championship.