Indian athlete Praveen Kumar made history by clinching a gold medal in the men's high jump event at the Paris Paralympics 2024. With a winning jump of 2.08m, he became only the second Indian to win a gold in the high jump events at the Paralympics. This victory helped India set a new record for the most gold medals won in a single Paralympic Games, surpassing their previous record of five at the 2022 Tokyo Para Games. Praveen's impressive performance and record-breaking attempts at 2.10m also cemented India's overall record-breaking medal tally at the Paris Games of 26.
Praveen Kumar: India's Paralympic High Jump Gold Medalist
Indian athlete Praveen Kumar made history at the Paris Paralympics 2024 by clinching a gold medal in the men's high jump event. With a winning jump of 2.08m, he became only the second Indian to win gold in the high jump events at the Paralympics, following in the footsteps of Murlikant Petkar in 2016.
Background:
Praveen Kumar, born on March 13, 1997, in Haryana, India, was diagnosed with polio at a young age, which affected his right leg. Despite his physical limitations, he developed a passion for sports and began participating in athletics at the age of 18.
In 2019, Praveen won the gold medal in the men's high jump event at the World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai. He also represented India at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, where he finished fifth in the high jump event.
2024 Paris Paralympics Gold Medal:
At the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Praveen Kumar entered the men's high jump event as one of the favorites. He cleared all three heights in the qualifying round (1.85m, 2.02m, and 2.08m) to advance to the final.
In the final, Praveen faced stiff competition from Ukraine's Maksym Koval, who had won gold in the previous two Paralympic Games. However, Praveen remained focused and determined. He cleared 2.08m on his first attempt, while Koval failed all three attempts at that height.
With a winning jump of 2.08m, Praveen Kumar became the Paralympic champion in the men's high jump event. His victory helped India set a new record for the most gold medals won in a single Paralympic Games (26), surpassing their previous record of five at the 2022 Tokyo Para Games.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. What is Praveen Kumar's disability? Praveen Kumar has polio, which affects his right leg.
2. When did Praveen Kumar win his Paralympic gold medal? Praveen Kumar won his gold medal in the men's high jump event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
3. What was Praveen Kumar's winning jump? Praveen Kumar's winning jump was 2.08m.
4. Who is the other Indian athlete to win a Paralympic gold in the high jump? The other Indian athlete to win a Paralympic gold in the high jump is Murlikant Petkar.
5. How many gold medals did India win at the 2024 Paris Paralympics? India won a record-breaking 26 gold medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
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