Paris Paralympics: Praveen Kumar Ace Gold, Breaks High Jump Record

Indian para-athlete Praveen Kumar has made the country proud by securing a gold medal at the ongoing Paris Paralympics in the men’s high jump T64 final on Friday. He achieved a remarkable record-breaking jump of 2.08 meters, setting a new Asian record in the process.

In the medal round, USA’s Derek Loccident claimed the silver with a jump of 2.06 meters, while Uzbekistan’s Temurbek Giyazov took bronze with a personal best jump of 2.03 meters. Loccident also broke the Paralympic record set by Japan’s Toru Suzuki in 2021 (1.88 meters).

With Praveen’s victory, India’s medal tally at the Paris Paralympics has risen to 26, including six gold, nine silver, and 11 bronze medals. This is the most gold medals India has ever won at a Paralympic event, surpassing the total of five golds from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

India has sent its largest-ever Paralympics contingent to Paris, consisting of 84 athletes competing across 12 sports, showcasing the country’s growing commitment to para-sports.