Indian athlete Praveen Kumar made history at the 2024 Paris Paralympics as he secured the gold medal in the men's high jump T64 event. Hailing from Noida, Kumar overcame his moderate movement impairment in one lower leg and outpaced five competitors with a jump of 2.08 meters to clinch the top spot on the podium. This is Kumar's second consecutive Paralympic medal, following his silver at the Tokyo 2021 games, and adds to India's growing success at the 2024 Paralympics. Mentored by renowned coach Dr Satyapal Singh, Kumar's impressive accomplishments also include a gold at the 2022 Asian Para Games and a bronze at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championship.
Indian Athlete Praveen Kumar Soars to Gold in Men's High Jump T64 at 2024 Paris Paralympics
Indian athlete Praveen Kumar has made history at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, securing the gold medal in the men's high jump T64 event. Hailing from Noida, Kumar overcame his moderate movement impairment in one lower leg to outpace five competitors with a jump of 2.08 meters, claiming the top spot on the podium.
Kumar's victory marks a significant achievement for India and is a testament to his resilience and determination. This is his second consecutive Paralympic medal, following his silver at the Tokyo 2021 games, and adds to India's growing success at the 2024 Paralympics.
Background on Praveen Kumar and His Journey
Born in 1994, Kumar hails from a humble background in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. At a young age, he was diagnosed with hemiparesis, a type of cerebral palsy that affects movement on one side of the body. Despite his physical challenges, Kumar developed a passion for sports and began competing in athletics.
In 2017, he made his international debut at the World Para Athletics Championships in London, where he finished fifth in the men's high jump T64 event. Since then, Kumar has steadily improved his performance, winning a bronze medal at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships and a silver medal at the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics.
Kumar's success can be attributed to his hard work, dedication, and the support he received from his family, friends, and coaches. He is mentored by renowned coach Dr. Satyapal Singh, who has played a pivotal role in guiding Kumar's career.
Significance of Kumar's Achievement
Kumar's gold medal is not only a personal triumph but also a significant achievement for India. It demonstrates the country's increasing competitiveness in Paralympic sports and inspires other athletes with disabilities to pursue their dreams.
His victory is a powerful symbol of inclusion and celebrates the abilities of individuals with disabilities. Kumar's story serves as an inspiration to all, showcasing the importance of perseverance, resilience, and the transformative power of sports.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What is the T64 classification in high jump? A: T64 is a classification for athletes with moderate movement impairment in one lower leg, including muscle weakness, coordination issues, or limb length differences.
2. How did Kumar overcome his impairment in the high jump? A: Kumar's right leg is affected by hemiparesis, which impairs his movement. However, he has developed compensatory techniques to generate power and height in his jump, such as using his right arm to assist his leg.
3. Who is Praveen Kumar's coach? A: Kumar is mentored by Dr. Satyapal Singh, a renowned Paralympic coach who has guided numerous athletes to success at international competitions.
4. What are Kumar's other major achievements? A: In addition to his Paralympic medals, Kumar has won a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Para Games and a bronze medal at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championship.
5. What is the significance of Kumar's gold medal for India? A: Kumar's gold medal is a significant achievement for India, demonstrating the country's growing competitiveness in Paralympic sports and inspiring other athletes with disabilities to pursue their dreams.
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.