Has the Long Wait Paid Off for Para-athlete Praveen Kumar with Padma Awards?
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Synopsis
Para-athlete Praveen Kumar finally receives the prestigious Padma Shri award after a long wait, expressing his gratitude and sense of worthiness. This recognition comes after his remarkable achievements in high jump, including his gold medal victory at the Paris Paralympics. Discover how his journey reflects determination and excellence in Indian sports.
Key Takeaways
- Praveen Kumar has been awarded the Padma Shri for his contributions to para-athletics.
- He achieved a personal-best of 2.08m at the Paris Paralympics.
- The recognition highlights the importance of inclusivity in sports.
- Other notable recipients include Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur.
- Praveen's journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes.
New Delhi, Jan 25 (NationPress) Para high-jumper Praveen Kumar expressed his joy at receiving the esteemed Padma Shri award after a lengthy wait, stating he feels truly deserving of this recognition.
“I am immensely grateful. This journey has been long, and sabr ka fal hamesha meetha hota hai. For the past two-and-a-half years, I've aspired for this moment, and now it feels like a true honor. While I've begun to receive congratulatory messages, I haven’t yet seen the official list,” Kumar shared with IANS after his name was announced among the Padma Awards recipients on Sunday.
Kumar achieved a remarkable feat by winning the men’s high jump T64 gold at the Paris Paralympics, an event that significantly transformed his life. He cleared a personal-best height of 2.08 meters, proudly standing on the podium with the Indian flag, adding to an impressive collection of medals that includes a silver at the Tokyo Paralympics and gold at the Asian Para Games.
Additionally, Kumar secured a bronze medal in the T64 high jump at the World Para Athletics Championships held in New Delhi last year.
The announcement of the Padma Awards took place on Sunday, with notable mentions including former India captain Rohit Sharma and Indian women's team captain Harmanpreet Kaur, both of whom were also honored with the Padma Shri alongside Kumar. Vijay Amritraj, a legendary figure in Indian tennis, was the only sportsperson to receive the Padma Bhushan award.
Amritraj's latest accolade reinforces his decades-long career, marked by significant contributions both on the tennis court and in sports administration. He was previously honored with the Arjuna Award in 1974 and the Padma Shri in 1983, highlighting his lasting influence on Indian sports.
Rohit and Harmanpreet were recognized for their leadership and achievements in cricket, particularly in World Cup tournaments, joined by hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia and others like Baldev Singh, Bhagwandas Raikwar, and K Pajanivel for their remarkable contributions to Indian sports.
Point of View
The recognition of Praveen Kumar through the Padma Awards is a testament to the growing appreciation for para-athletes in India. This acknowledgment not only encourages aspiring athletes but also highlights the importance of inclusivity in sports. As a nation, we must continue to support and celebrate the achievements of all athletes, ensuring that everyone receives equal recognition for their hard work and dedication.
NationPress
25/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What achievements led Praveen Kumar to receive the Padma Shri?
Praveen Kumar received the Padma Shri for his outstanding performance as a para high-jumper, notably winning the gold medal in the men's high jump T64 at the Paris Paralympics and earning multiple medals in international competitions including the Tokyo Paralympics and World Para Athletics Championships.
How does Praveen Kumar feel about receiving the Padma Shri?
Praveen Kumar expressed immense gratitude and a sense of worthiness upon receiving the Padma Shri, reflecting on his long journey and the hard work he put in over the past two-and-a-half years.
