Praveen Kumar In High Jump T64 Final Highlights, Paris Paralympics: The Indian Wins Gold Medal, Breaks Asian Record

The men's high jump T64 final is slated to begin at 3:21pm IST. Meanwhile, India's Dipesh Kumar is in action in the men's javelin throw F54 final. You can catch the live updates of that medal event HERE, and the detailed India schedule for today's events HERE.

In the Men's High Jump T64 Final at Stade de France, the participating athletes and their order are as follows, with the Indian athlete set to jump sixth:

Praveen is yet to start jumping. The other athletes are now in action to clear the 1.80 and 1.85m marks.

The Indian's season's best high jump is 2.05m. Recently, Praveen finished 4th at the Worlds this year with a 1.94 clearance.

The Indian athlete, starting from 1.89 meters after skipping 1.80 meters and 1.85 meters, successfully cleared 1.89 meters on his first attempt and then went on to clear 1.93 meters on his second attempt.

Clearing the 1.97m mark in the first attempts India's Praveen Kumar, Temurbek Giyazov and Maciej Lepiato have tied for first place.

AMAZING! Praveen Kumar of India takes the lead with a smooth 2.03m clearance on his First Attempt, while others struggle to clear the height

And the Indian continues to set new heights with every jump, effortlessly clearing 2.06 meters on his first attempt and maintaining the lead.

Praveen Kumar has assured himself a medal after Temurbek Giyazov of Uzbekistan failed to clear 2.06 meters. Now, in the battle for gold, the Indian will aim to break the tie with Derek Loccident of the USA by clearing the 2.08-meter height.

Derek fails to clear 2.08m in his first attempt. On the other hand, Praveen Kumar cleared 2.08m, breaking his personal best of 2.07m and setting a new Asian Record.

The Indian high jumper was unable to clear 2.10 meters in his attempts, but it could not take away the gold he earned. Praveen Kumar secured the top spot in the Men’s High Jump T64 Final by surpassing the 2.08-meter mark, defeating the American competitor.

With Praveen clinching the gold in high jump, India secure its sixth gold medal at the Paris Paralympics. Other winners are:

1. Avani Lekhara - Shooting - Women's 10m air rifle standing SH1

2. Nitesh Kumar - Badminton - Men's singles SL3

3. Sumit Antil - Athletics - Men's javelin throw F64

4. Harvinder Singh- Archery - Men's individual recurve open

5. Dharambir - Athletics - Men's club throw 51

1st - Praveen Kumar (India) - 2.08m

2nd - Derek Loccident (USA) - 2.06m

3rd - Temurbek Giyazov (Uzbekistan) - 2.03m

1. Tokyo Paralympics (2020) – Silver Medal

2. Asian Para Games (2022) – Gold Medal (AR)

3. World Para Athletics Championship (2023)– Bronze Medal

4. World Para Athletics Championship (2019)– Silver Medal

5. Fazza, Dubai Grand Prix (2022)– Silver Medal

The Indian para-athlete, much like a star that shines after enduring dark nights, has faced numerous challenges on his journey. Praveen Kumar's path to becoming a para-athlete was marked by significant hurdles. Born with a short leg, the feeling of inferiority, being not normal among friends was struggling at a point.

There was an option that Praveen chose to stop the days the dark. He went on to combat his insecurities and engaged in sports. Initially passionate about volleyball playing with friends his life took a pivotal turn when he participated in a high jump event at an able-bodied athletics competition, which exposed him to the possibilities available for athletes with disabilities.

Disability Class: T64 (Lower limb/s competing with prosthesis affected by limb deficiency and leg length difference)

That's all from us for this event. Join us again as we cover more events involving Indian athletes at the Para Games 2024.