Praveen Kumar’s story is one of resilience and triumph in the world of para-sports. Hailing from Govindgarh, Noida in Uttar Pradesh, he faced early challenges due to being born with a shorter leg. Initially, this physical difference led to feelings of insecurity, which he tackled by engaging in various sports before discovering a love for volleyball.
A pivotal moment in Praveen’s life occurred when he took part in a high jump competition meant for able-bodied athletes. This experience broadened his perspective on the opportunities within para-athletics. Encouraged by Dr. Satyapal Singh, a coach who recognized his talent, Praveen focused his efforts on high jump, a decision that propelled his athletic career forward.
His hard work and determination led to significant achievements, including a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Para Games, where he set a new Asian record with a 2.05m jump. Praveen has also earned a silver medal at the 2019 World Para Athletics Junior Championships and a gold at the 2021 FAZZA Grand Prix in Dubai, where he broke yet another Asian record.
In 2023, Praveen added a bronze medal at the World Para Athletics Championship to his accolades, securing his qualification for the Paris 2024 Paralympics. His most recent success came when he won India’s sixth gold medal in the Men’s High Jump T64 event at the Paris Paralympics.