Praveen Kumar made history at the Paris Paralympics 2024 by clinching gold in the men’s high jump T64 event with a stunning leap of 2.08 meters, setting a new Asian record. His remarkable achievement not only earned him the prestigious gold medal but also defied scientific expectations. The para-athlete’s journey, driven by dedication, resilience, and passion, culminated in a moment that will be remembered in Indian sports history.
Aiming for Gold and Defying Science
Praveen Kumar’s focus was unyielding as he set his sights on gold in Paris. Reflecting on his achievement, the 5’6″ para-athlete shared how he was determined to give his best and avoid returning to India with any regrets. Despite not expecting the gold, Praveen delivered a personal best, and his performance echoed through the stadium as India’s national anthem played. Speaking to reporters, Praveen expressed his immense joy:
“I hadn’t expected this. I just wanted to perform my personal best. Words cannot describe my happiness. My coach advised me to aim for my personal best. I had been waiting for three years for this moment—to hear the national anthem. I didn’t want to regret this time; I aimed for gold, or else I wouldn’t have been satisfied going back to India.”
However, his victory was not just about personal bests. Praveen’s record-breaking leap went against conventional sports science predictions. Typically, a 2.08 m jump requires a height of around six feet. Yet, Praveen, standing at 5’6″, managed to achieve this feat with sheer determination and tireless effort. PCI President Devendra Jhajaria highlighted this astonishing fact, emphasizing how Praveen’s triumph was a testament to his passion, hard work, and discipline.
Emotional Moments for Coaches and Officials
Praveen’s victory was a moment of great pride not only for him but also for his coaches and the entire Indian contingent. Satyapal, Praveen’s coach, expressed immense pride in his protégé’s accomplishment, calling it the ultimate “guru dakshina.” He described the feeling as unparalleled, knowing that his student had delivered on the grandest stage of them all.
Satya Prakash Sangwan, India’s Chef de Mission for the Paris Paralympics and Vice-President of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), was deeply moved when the national anthem played, bringing him to tears. He remarked that hearing the anthem in such a significant context evoked a profound sense of emotion. He had always believed that India would achieve a remarkable medal tally, and Praveen’s victory solidified this belief.
India’s Growing Success at the Paris Paralympics 2024
Praveen’s gold was not the only success for India at the Paralympics. Indian para-athlete Hokato Hotozhe Sema also added to the nation’s growing tally by winning bronze in the men’s shot put F57 final. These achievements contributed to India’s best-ever performance at a Paralympic Games.
As of Day 10, India has won 27 medals, including six golds, nine silvers, and 12 bronzes, surpassing their previous record from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. The Indian contingent’s impressive display in Paris is a reflection of their perseverance, hard work, and growing presence on the global stage.
Praveen Kumar’s historic jump will inspire generations of athletes, proving that with passion and dedication, it is possible to defy the odds and create new benchmarks in sports.
