India’s Praveen Kumar won the gold medal in the men’s high jump T64 event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, clearing 2.08 meters. This marks his second consecutive Paralympic medal after clinching silver at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, where he set a personal best of 2.07 meters. The 21-year-old athlete from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, continues to shine on the international stage with this impressive performance.

Praveen’s victory makes him only the second Indian, after Mariyappan Thangavelu, to win a gold medal in Paralympic high jump events. Competing in a field of six athletes, Praveen delivered a season-best jump of 2.08 meters to claim the top spot. USA's Derek Loccident earned silver with a jump of 2.06 meters, while Uzbekistan's Temurbek Giyazov took bronze with a personal best of 2.03 meters.

Competing under the T44 classification, which is designated for athletes with low to moderate impairment in lower limb movement, Praveen now adds to India’s impressive tally at the Paris Paralympics. The country's medal count stands at 26, including six golds, nine silvers, and 11 bronzes. His achievement also follows the successes of fellow Indian high jumpers Sharad Kumar, who took silver, and Mariyappan Thangavelu, who earned bronze in the men's high jump T63 event.

Born in Govindgarh, Noida, Praveen Kumar overcame significant challenges due to being born with a shorter leg. Initially struggling with self-esteem issues, he turned to sports and found his passion for athletics. After discovering high jump through an able-bodied competition, he began training under para-athletics coach Dr. Satyapal Singh, who recognized his potential.

Praveen’s journey includes numerous accolades beyond the Paralympics. He won gold at the 2022 Asian Para Games, setting a new Asian record with a jump of 2.05 meters. He also claimed silver at the 2019 World Para Athletics Junior Championships in Switzerland and gold at the 2021 FAZZA Grand Prix in Dubai, where he set another Asian record. Most recently, he secured bronze at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships, further solidifying his reputation as a top athlete and qualifying him for the Paris 2024 Paralympics.