India’s Praveen Kumar made the nation proud once again by clinching the gold medal in the men’s high jump T64 event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. With a season-best clearance of 2.08 meters, Praveen soared to the top of the podium, securing his second consecutive Paralympic medal after winning silver at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, where he achieved a personal best of 2.07 meters.
The 21-year-old athlete’s victory solidifies his place as one of India’s finest Paralympic high jumpers. He is now only the second Indian, following Mariyappan Thangavelu, to win a gold medal in high jump at the Paralympic Games. Born with a shorter leg, Praveen displayed immense determination and skill to emerge victorious in a competitive field of six athletes.
Praveen, who is currently pursuing an MA in Sociology at KIIT University, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder KIIT & KISS for his unwavering support throughout his sporting journey.
Prof. Samanta, also congratulated Praveen on his outstanding performance and extended his best wishes for future to