Leap of Triumph: Praveen Kumar's Journey to Padma Shri
Praveen Kumar, an inspiring para-athlete, is set to receive the Padma Shri award for redefining the landscape of Indian para-sports. Despite physical challenges, his determination and skill have made him a world-class athlete, winning multiple medals, including a Paralympic silver and an Asian Para Games gold.
Praveen Kumar, an exemplary figure in Indian para-sports, will be honored with the Padma Shri on May 26 in the unsung heroes category. Born into a middle-class family, Praveen overcame his physical challenges to excel in the high jump, showcasing his extraordinary leap.
His turning point came during an inter-school high jump competition that captured the attention of experts. Under the guidance of coach Satyapal Singh, Praveen honed his talents at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, rising to become a leading para-athlete globally. The President will present him with the Padma Shri at a ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Achieving world recognition, Praveen became the youngest Indian para-athlete to win a Paralympic medal with a silver at the 2020 Tokyo Games, followed by a gold at the 2022 Asian Para Games. Notably, he also won gold at an able-bodied national meet, further cementing his legacy in para-sports.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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