Published By: Sayan Guha

Paris Paralympics 2024: Praveen’s Silver Lining Turns Golden in Paris!

Who says lightning doesn’t strike twice? Praveen Kumar just upgraded his Tokyo silver to a shiny Paris gold, showing us all how a second shot can turn into a golden opportunity—literally!

Praveen Kumar, the silver medalist from Tokyo, flew to new heights in a thrilling performance at the Paris Paralympics 2024, winning gold in the men's high jump T64 final. Praveen not only surpassed his personal best but also broke the Asian record, bringing waves of pride home. His victory brought India's medal count to 26, including their sixth gold medal of this edition, a fitting conclusion to a closely contested event.

The high jump final was more than simply another event; it was a nail-biting display of skill, commitment, and ferocious rivalry. Praveen, who had comfortably skipped the lesser heights, began at 1.89m and quickly jumped each hurdle after another.

The suspense heightened when defending Paralympic champion Jonathan Broom-Edwards withdrew early, leaving Praveen and his challengers to compete for the top place. Praveen got closer to victory with each good leap, finally seizing the lead after clearing 2.06m. But his immaculate 2.08m leap clinched the deal, moving his opponent Derek Loccident into second place.

The rise of a star: Who is Praveen Kumar?

Praveen Kumar's path to Paralympic gold is the stuff of fantasies. Praveen, who was born on May 15, 2003, in the tiny hamlet of Govindgarh, Uttar Pradesh, had a quiet childhood. He grew up in a humble household with an athlete's heart but had no clue where that drive would take him. His school days were spent with athletics, especially volleyball. But everything changed when he discovered para-athletics via a Google search. Imagine that one search may change his future forever.

Praveen wasn't a regular athlete. He had a congenital problem with his hip and left leg, but he never let it define him. Instead, he discovered a method to transform his obstacle into his advantage. Praveen was introduced to the high jump world in 2018 by a committed coach named Satyapal, and his innate skill was quickly evident. Praveen has gone from being a small-town lad to competing on the world's largest platform for para-athletes in a matter of years.

Climbing the ladder of success

Praveen's path to success has been challenging. In 2021, he earned a silver medal in the Tokyo Paralympics, setting an Asian record of 2.07m. That silver, while a gratifying achievement, left him wanting more. Over the next four years, he continued to practice and compete on an international level, and by the time the Paris Paralympics arrived, he was ready to shoot higher—literally. His dedication, resilience, and determination to push himself to new heights have propelled him to the pinnacle of athletic success.


However, Praveen's victories are not just evaluated by medals. He inspires many young athletes in India, particularly those experiencing physical obstacles. His narrative reminds you that persistence, hard work, and a little serendipity (hi, Google!) can get you far. And remember Praveen's rural origins; despite his rising celebrity, he stays grounded, backed by a community that has rallied behind him since the beginning.

A future paved in gold

Praveen's athletic potential seems brighter than ever at the age of 21. He has already broken records, overcome personal hurdles, and captured the hearts of millions. And what about the gold medal at Paris 2024? It's only the beginning. As he continues to practice, push limits, and compete, one can only guess how far this rising talent will go.