Praveen Kumar, a 17-year-old para high jumper, overcame multiple obstacles to become a silver medalist at the Tokyo Paralympics, setting a new Asian record along the way. Despite being born with a shorter leg and facing challenges in his journey, Kumar's determination and love for sports led him to this monumental achievement. This is just the beginning for Kumar, as he aims to make his mark in future Paralympic games as well.
Praveen Kumar: A Paralympic Silver Medalist with Unwavering Determination
Praveen Kumar, a 17-year-old para high jumper from India, has made history by becoming a silver medalist at the Tokyo Paralympics. Despite being born with a shorter leg that presented significant challenges, Kumar's love for sports and unwavering determination led him to this remarkable achievement.
Early Life and Challenges
Kumar was born in a small village in Uttar Pradesh, India. From a young age, he faced challenges due to his physical impairment. However, he refused to let this obstacle define him. Instead, he developed a passion for sports and began practicing high jump at the age of 12.
Journey to the Paralympics
Kumar's journey to the Paralympics was not an easy one. He had to overcome skepticism from others who doubted his abilities. However, with the support of his family and coaches, he persevered. In 2019, he won the silver medal at the World Para Athletics Junior Championships, cementing his place as a rising star.
Tokyo Paralympics and Asian Record
At the Tokyo Paralympics, Kumar soared to new heights. He set a new Asian record in the men's T64 high jump event, clearing a height of 2.02 meters. His incredible performance earned him the silver medal, making him the first Indian to win a medal in the para high jump.
Future Aspirations
Kumar's Paralympic success has ignited his dreams for the future. He aims to continue competing in Paralympic games and make India proud. His determination and talent are a testament to the boundless potential of persons with disabilities.
FAQs
After a strong start in the Women's Big Bash League, the Sydney Sixers suffered a tough loss against Sydney Thunder. With a record of three wins and three losses, they will be vying for a win against Brisbane Heat, who ended their own losing streak in the last match. The match will be held at the North Sydney Oval, a difficult venue for chasing teams, making the toss crucial for the outcome. Despite the Heat's recent win, the Sixers are expected to come out on top with their star-studded lineup featuring players like Alyssa Healy and Ellyse Perry.
Former Australian cricket team players Brad Haddin and Aaron Finch believe Indian batsmen will struggle against the pace of Australian bowlers in the upcoming test series. Haddin especially pointed out the weakness of Indian batsmen against bouncers and namedropped young player Yashasvi Jaiswal as a potential struggle. However, Finch also admitted that Australia's top order will face a similar challenge from the Indian fast bowlers. Both players also emphasized the crucial role of wicketkeepers Rishabh Pant and Alex Carey in the series.
With the T20 series against South Africa currently level at 1-1, the third match will be crucial for Team India. One of the biggest concerns for them is the poor form of opener Abhishek Sharma, who has been struggling to make an impact. With competition for the opening spot heating up, Sharma will need to perform in order to secure his place in the team. Former opener Aakash Chopra has issued a warning, stating that it's now or never for Sharma.
The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) has announced the final 17-member squad for the 4th T20 World Cup for the Blind, set to be held in Lahore and Multan, Pakistan starting from November 22 to December 3, 2024. India, who has won three consecutive titles, is ready to face their rivals, Pakistan once again in the tournament. The team has undergone 12 days of selection trials and is currently training in Gurugram, pending an NOC from the Ministry of External Affairs. CABI's chairman and president are confident in the team's skills and hope for a positive response from the ministry.
Sanju Samson, a talented Indian cricketer, has had a remarkable turnaround in his career under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav. After finally being given consistent opportunities, Samson grabbed them with both hands and became the first Indian batsman to hit consecutive T20I centuries. However, amidst his success, his father expressed frustration over the past decade where his son did not receive enough chances. He blamed former captains MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and coach Rahul Dravid for hindering Samson's career progression.
23-year-old Matthew de Villiers has caught the attention of cricket fans with his First-Class debut for the Warriors in South Africa. He not only shares the same last name and jersey number (17) as the iconic AB de Villiers, but also displays similar batting skills and agility on the field. The youngster's journey through prestigious cricket schools and past performances in local leagues indicate that he could be a promising player to watch out for.
Indian batter and Punjab Kings captain KL Rahul reflects on his brief stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, expressing his desire for a "fairytale" comeback. He discusses his bond with the franchise and his struggles to secure a permanent spot before ultimately excelling with Punjab. However, his team change in the mega auction ahead of the 2022 season proves his commitment to constantly improving and embracing new opportunities.
Flamengo claimed their fifth Copa do Brasil title with a 1-0 away win against Atletico Mineiro, making it a comprehensive 4-1 victory on aggregate. The game was closely contested, with both teams creating chances in the first half. However, it was Flamengo's Gonzalo Plata who scored the game's only goal with a stunning lob in the second half, sealing the victory for his team. This win, which marks their first triumph in this competition since 2022, solidifies Flamengo's position as one of the top teams in South America, with manager Filipe Luis praising the team's quality and machine-like performances.
Tilak Varma's explosive 107 off 56 balls propelled India to a total of 219/6 in the third T20I against South Africa, with support from Abhishek Sharma's quickfire 50. Despite early struggles for India, Varma's heroics and newcomer Ramandeep Singh's debut effort led the team to victory and tied the series at 1-1. Don't miss the exciting cricket action, live on Manorama Online App.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has responded to India head coach Gautam Gambhir's criticism of his comments about Virat Kohli's batting form. Ponting expressed concerns about Kohli's recent Test performances, prompting Gambhir to defend the Indian captain. Ponting clarified that his comments were not meant as a dig at Kohli and that he has a good relationship with Gambhir from their time together at Delhi Capitals.