Para-athlete Praveen Kumar Celebrates Recognition of Para-Sports Under PM Modi's Leadership
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New Delhi, Jan 2 (NationPress) Para-athlete Praveen Kumar, who clinched the gold medal in the men's high jump T64 at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, shared his happiness upon receiving the esteemed Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and remarked that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, para-sports is receiving the recognition it deserves.
The 21-year-old para-athlete from India achieved a remarkable height of 2.08m, setting an Asian record, during the finals, marking his second Paralympic medal. He previously won silver at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics with a jump of 2.07m, which also stood as an Asian record three years ago.
"Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, para-sports is receiving the recognition it deserves. I am truly honoured to be awarded the Khel Ratna. I am committed to performing my best in major competitions to bring more glory to our nation," Praveen shared with IANS.
Alongside Praveen, World Chess champion Gukesh Dommaraju and Paris Olympics medallists - Manu Bhaker (shooting) and Harmanpreet Singh (hockey) - will also be awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024 by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, at a special ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17.
Hailing from Govindgarh (Noida), Uttar Pradesh, Praveen has achieved significant milestones on the international sports scene, notably becoming the youngest para-athlete to earn a medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. His journey to becoming a para-athlete was not without its challenges. Born with a short leg, he initially faced feelings of inferiority compared to his peers. To overcome this, he took part in sports with friends, where he discovered a love for volleyball.
However, his life changed dramatically when he entered a high jump event at an able-bodied athletics competition, which revealed to him the opportunities available for athletes with disabilities.
With mentorship from Satyapal Singh, a para-athletics coach who recognized Praveen's talent, he redirected his focus to high jump. This decision was rewarding, leading him to win a gold medal at the Asian Para Games 2022, where he broke the Asian record with a jump of 2.05 metres. In 2023, he secured a bronze at the World Para Athletics Championship.
Praveen's impressive list of achievements also includes a silver medal at the World Para Athletics Junior Championship in 2019 in Nottwil, Switzerland, and a gold medal with an Asian Record at the World Para Athletics FAZZA Grand Prix 2021 in Dubai.
