Praveen Kumar Shines with Record-Breaking Asian High Jump Gold in Tokyo Paralympics

Praveen Kumar, a 21-year-old from Noida, clinched gold in the T64 high jump category at the Tokyo Paralympics with a record-breaking 2.08m jump. His victory contributed to India's historic medal haul, surpassing pre-Games projections. Kumar, overcoming congenital impairment, achieved his personal best and set a new Asian record.

Praveen Kumar, a 21-year-old high jumper from Noida, has elevated his Tokyo silver to a gold medal with a stunning performance, cementing India's strong position over Canada and Korea in the overall standings. This achievement marks a historic high for India's para-athletes in the Paralympics.

Kumar, born with a short leg, leaped to an impressive 2.08 meters in the T64 category, a new Asian record. He outperformed USA's Derek Loccident (2.06m) and Uzbekistan's Temurbek Giyazov (2.03m) to secure the top spot. His performance not only set a record but was also his personal best.

This triumph is an integral part of India's record-breaking medal tally of 26, including six golds. The young athlete's journey from grappling with insecurities due to his congenital impairment to achieving international acclaim epitomizes resilience. Meanwhile, other Indian athletes continue to make strides in various events, showcasing India's growing prowess in para-sports.

(With inputs from agencies.)