In a momentous achievement, Praveen Kumar has secured India’s sixth gold medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024, marking the highest tally of gold medals ever attained by India in a single edition of these prestigious games. The 21-year-old para-athlete, who previously earned a silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympics, shattered the Asian record to clinch gold in the men’s high jump T64 event with an impressive season-best jump of 2.08 meters, outpacing competitors Derek Loccident of the United States and Temurbek Giyazov of Uzbekistan, who recorded jumps of 2.06 meters and 2.03 meters, respectively.

Initially commencing competition at a height of 1.89 meters, Mr. Kumar successfully completed seven consecutive jumps on his first attempt, thereby establishing himself as a frontrunner for the coveted gold medal. Although the subsequent bar was elevated to 2.10 meters, both Mr. Kumar and Mr. Loccident were unable to clear this height, thereby affirming Mr. Kumar’s winning status.

It is noteworthy that Mr. Kumar’s successful performance at the Paris Games not only marked a personal best but also contributed to an unprecedented total of six gold medals won by the Indian Paralympic team, eclipsing the previous record of five gold medals set during the Tokyo Paralympics.

The T64 category is designated for athletes with moderate impairments in one lower leg, or the absence of one or both legs below the knee. Mr. Kumar is classified under T44, which encompasses athletes with low to moderate impairments in one lower leg. His congenital condition affects the bones connecting his hip to his left leg, yet he has risen as a formidable competitor in the field of athletics.

Mr. Kumar’s journey into the world of para-sports has been fraught with challenges. As a child, he struggled with feelings of inadequacy compared to his peers. To overcome these sentiments, he engaged in sports, discovering his affinity for volleyball. However, a transformative experience occurred when he participated in a high jump event at an able-bodied athletics competition, which opened his eyes to the opportunities available for athletes with disabilities. This pivotal moment led him to pursue a promising career as a para-athlete.

With this triumph, Mr. Kumar joins the ranks of other notable Indian high jumpers, specifically Sharad Kumar and Mariyappan Thagavelu, as the third individual in this discipline to earn a medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024. This achievement stands as a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of para-athletes who continue to defy the odds and inspire future generations.

(With contributions from PTI)

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