Para high jumper Sharad Kumar, trained by a coach he has not been able to meet in two years due to war, claimed a silver medal at the Paris Paralympics, with his compatriot Mariyappan Thangavelu winning bronze in the same event. The athlete, who trained under his Ukrainian coach in the second largest city of Ukraine, Kharkiv, has spoken about the impact of the ongoing war in the country on his coach and his family. Kumar, who also suffered a paralysis in his leg due to spurious polio medication, overcame an anxious moment on the night before the final by talking to his family in India and reading the Bhagavad Gita, before ultimately winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo Paralympics. He described sports as both an art and a war, and acknowledged the improving level of competition in para athletics in India and other countries.
Sharad Kumar: India's Paralympic High Jump Hero
Background
Sharad Kumar is a para high jumper representing India. Born in 1994, Kumar has faced significant challenges due to a paralysis in his leg resulting from spurious polio medication. Despite these obstacles, he has emerged as a remarkable athlete, winning numerous medals at both national and international events.
Training Amidst War
Kumar's training has been heavily impacted by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trained by a Ukrainian coach in Kharkiv, Kumar has not been able to meet with him for over two years due to the conflict. However, he has continued to train remotely, showcasing his unwavering determination.
2020 Tokyo Paralympics
At the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, Kumar overcame adversity to claim a bronze medal in the high jump. Despite experiencing anxiety on the eve of the final, he found solace in his family and the Bhagavad Gita, ultimately reaching the podium.
2024 Paris Paralympics
At the recently concluded 2024 Paris Paralympics, Kumar once again displayed his prowess by securing a silver medal in the high jump. He faced stiff competition, including his compatriot Mariyappan Thangavelu who won the bronze. Kumar's triumph is a testament to his resilience, hard work, and the unwavering support of his family and coach.
FAQs
1. What is Sharad Kumar's disability? Sharad Kumar has paralysis in his leg due to spurious polio medication.
2. Where does Sharad Kumar train? Prior to the war in Ukraine, Sharad Kumar trained in Kharkiv, Ukraine.
3. How has the war in Ukraine affected Sharad Kumar's training? The war has prevented Sharad Kumar from meeting with his Ukrainian coach in person for over two years.
4. What is Sharad Kumar's favorite sport? Sharad Kumar is a high jumper.
5. What is Sharad Kumar's dream? Sharad Kumar's dream is to continue representing India in international para athletic competitions and inspire others.
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