Have a look at the disability and personal best jump height of para-athlete Praveen Kumar
Know more about Praveen Kumar, who is making waves across social media platforms after clinching the sixth medal for the nation at the Paris Paralympics on Friday.
For the unversed, the Indian athlete secured the top spot in the Menโs High Jump T64 event after impressing everyone with a stunning performance.
Who is high jump para-athlete Praveen Kumar, biography, age, disability, state, coach and personal best height
The 21-year-old athlete from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, has left netizens stunned after setting a new Paralympic record with a jump of 2.08 m and securing a gold medal for the country.
Meanwhile, USAโs athlete Derek Loccident grabbed a silver medal with a best jump of 2.06 m, followed by Polandโs Maciej Lepiato and Uzbekistanโs Temurbek Giyazov, who cleared 2.03 m, sharing the bronze medal.
Praveen Kumar has leaped into the history books at the Paris Paralympics 2024, clinching the gold medal in the Men's High Jump T64 with an astounding jump of 2.08m, setting a new Asian Record!
His journey from a silver in Tokyo to this golden moment showcases not just hisโฆ pic.twitter.com/z9OZVwp2nL
— Punny (@PunnyBhaiya) September 6, 2024
After his impressive win, Praveen expressed gratitude to his coach, acknowledging the support and motivation he received, especially during his recovery when his coach urged him to consistently aim beyond 2.05 m in training.
The 2.08m height that Praveen cleared is the new Asian record and improved his personal best (from 2.07m).
About Praveen Kumar
For the curious, born in Govindgarh, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Praveen was born with a short leg. Initially, Kumar struggled with feelings of inferiority.
Born: 15 May 2003 (age 21 years), Govindgarh
Reportedly, to combat his insecurities, the athlete began participating in various sports, before finding his love for high-jump.
Eventually, the athlete developed a passion for volleyball. His life took a significant turn when he competed in a high jump event at an able-bodied athletics competition, which introduced him to the opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
Praveen Kumar wins GOLD in high jump at the Paralympics. Had won Silver in the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics. Born with a shorter leg, this gold is a remarkable continuation of his success.
No choking. No excuses. ๐๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ณ๐ฅ pic.twitter.com/Js3Ng7dR5B
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) September 6, 2024
Career
Under the mentorship of para-athletics coach Dr. Satyapal Singh, who recognized his potential, Praveen switched his focus to the high jump.
His decision paid off, as he went on to win gold at the Asian Para Games 2022, setting a new Asian record with a 2.05-m jump.
He also secured a silver medal at the World Para Athletics Junior Championship 2019 in Nottwil, Switzerland, and a gold medal with an Asian record at the World Para Athletics FAZZA Grand Prix 2021, which was held in Dubai.
Praveen first gained international acclaim at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020, where he became the youngest para-athlete to win a medal by claiming silver in the menโs high jump T64 category with a jump of 2.07 m.