TOKYO — Praveen Kumar, the Indian athlete of Sport Class T44, on Sept. 3, won the silver medal in the men’s high jump T64 final in the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics. Before leaping the mark of 2.07 meters in the finals and creating the Asian Record.
“Proud of Praveen Kumar for winning the Silver medal at the #Paralympics,” tweeted Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India.
“This medal is the result of his hard work and unparalleled dedication. Congratulations to him. Best wishes for his future endeavors.”
He had registered scores of 1.88 meters, 1.93 meters, and 2.01 meters in his first three attempts.
T64 classification is for athletes with a leg amputation who compete with prosthetics in a standing position.
India’s Minister of Home Affairs, Amit Shah, congratulated Kumar for his achievement and said his passion and commitment would bring more glory to the nation. We are extremely proud of you.
Kumar cleared the mark of 1.88 meters at first right in his first attempt and then was tied at the top of the list right after his first jump before Great Britain’s Jonathan Broom-Edwards surpassed him after his attempt.
“A new Asian Record for Praveen Kumar as he jumps 2.07m in Men’s High Jump T64!” said the official Twitter account of the Indian Olympic contingent.
The Indian athlete then cleared the 1.93 meters mark in his next attempt to occupy the third spot.
Kumar cleared the 2.01 meters mark in subsequent attempts and continued his fine form to surpass the 2.04 mark further. Riding high on confidence, the Indian athlete then created the Asian Record.
The former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar appreciated Kumar for clinching the silver and creating a new Asian record.
“Heartiest congratulations Praveen Kumar on winning the Silver Medal for India & also setting an Asian Record in the process in the Men’s T44 class high jump,” tweeted Tendulkar.
Earlier this week, Mariyappan Thangavelu and Sharad Kumar won silver and bronze in the men’s high jump final in Sport Class T42 at Paralympic Games.
Mariyappan Thangavelu clinched silver after leaping the mark of 1.86m— his second medal at the Games, having already won a gold in Rio 2016.
Sharad Kumar, on the other hand, grabbed bronze after scaling his season-best mark of 1.83 meters.
“I can’t explain how I feel. This jump was ecstatic. This is my first Paralympic Games, and I am waiting to see what lies ahead,” he said.
(With inputs from ANI)
Edited by Saptak Datta and Ritaban Misra
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