Bhubaneswar : On January 17, 2025, at a grand ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Praveen Kumar received India’s highest sporting honor, the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, personally presented by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. This moment was more than a ceremony—it was a celebration of a journey marked by resilience, grit, and soaring ambitions.
Praveen Kumar’s story begins far from the spotlight, in the humble village of Govindgarh, Uttar Pradesh, where he was born on May 15, 2003, with a short leg. What could have been a lifelong limitation instead became the starting point of a saga of determination. As a child, Praveen battled insecurity about his physical condition, initially gravitating towards volleyball to find his place in sports. His trajectory changed dramatically when he discovered his talent in the high jump at a junior athletics event competing alongside able-bodied peers.
Under the expert guidance of para-athletics coach Dr. Satyapal Singh, Praveen transitioned to focus entirely on high jump. His rise in para-athletics was meteoric—winning a silver medal at Tokyo 2020 Paralympics with a 2.07-meter jump, dominating the 2022 Asian Para Games with a gold and an Asian record of 2.05 meters, and claiming a bronze at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships.
However, it was at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games where Praveen etched his name in history. Defying expectations, he cleared a staggering 2.08 meters to clinch the gold medal in men’s high jump T64, setting a new Asian record and marking India’s sixth gold of the Games. Every jump, including his successful attempts from 1.89 to 2.08 meters, was cleared on the first try, with only a near-miss at 2.10 meters denying him an even loftier legacy.
Praveen credits his success to a rigorous training regimen, disciplined nutrition, unshakeable family support, and the unwavering mentorship of his coach. His journey from a boy grappling with doubts to a decorated Paralympic champion and Khel Ratna awardee embodies the transformative power of perseverance and belief.
Receiving the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award from President Droupadi Murmu was not only a personal milestone but also a symbolic recognition of para-sports’ rising stature in India. Praveen’s achievements continue to inspire millions across the nation, redefining the limits of possibility.
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