New Delhi, June 19: Paralympic high jumper Praveen Kumar has set his sights on representing India at the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. Having already achieved significant success in high jump, Praveen is determined to make his country proud at the upcoming event.
In a soon-to-be-released podcast, Praveen stated, “I never imagined I would reach this far. There are still many goals to achieve, and I need to work on them. One of those goals is to win a gold medal at the World Para Athletics Championships. I currently do not have a gold medal in the World Championships, but I will aim for one in 2027. However, my primary focus is on the Los Angeles Paralympics in 2028.”
A two-time Paralympic medalist, Praveen shared, “My journey in high jump began unexpectedly during my school days when I was in the 9th grade. I learned about a sports day for athletics and had to choose an event, but I was unaware of the options available. After consulting friends, they suggested high jump due to my volleyball background.”
Before venturing into high jump, Praveen played volleyball with friends, serving as both a spiker and defender.
He recounted, “My friends created a crossbar using a wooden stick. I managed to clear it easily, surpassing their chest and shoulder height. After that, they encouraged me to participate in high jump.”
Praveen explained that the selection for the competition had already taken place two weeks prior. Initially, school officials denied him the opportunity, citing concerns about his disability. When his mother inquired about the situation, he expressed his desire to compete, but they were hesitant due to his disability.
With the intervention of his family and school management, Praveen was granted another chance. The officials placed the responsibility for any mishaps solely on him.
“I told them to accept my application, and I would take full responsibility. I had no issues, but I wanted to compete,” he said.
On the day of the competition, some competitors protested his participation.
Recalling that moment, Praveen said, “Some competitors told the referee that I should not be allowed to compete because I am disabled. However, the teacher responded that I would jump with one leg while they had two. They should perform better.”
In his first high jump competition, Praveen won a medal. He reflected, “I felt that I had achieved my goal, and it was my first medal, which I still possess today.”
What began with that medal has now led him to the Paralympics, where he has also won medals for his country. His next goals are to secure a gold at the World Championships and perform well at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Praveen Kumar won a silver medal in the T64 category at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020 and a gold medal in the T64 category at the Paris Paralympics 2024.
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