Para Athlete Praveen Kumar Honored with Padma Shri After Paralympic Triumphs
At just 23 years old, para high-jumper Praveen Kumar from Jewar has achieved what few athletes accomplish in a lifetime. The young champion, who has already stood on India's biggest sporting podiums at the Paralympics, is now set to receive one of the country's highest civilian honors—the Padma Shri for distinguished service in sports. This recognition marks the latest milestone in an extraordinary career that has seen him collect all three major national sports awards within just five years.
From Tokyo Silver to Paris Gold: A Meteoric Rise
Praveen's journey to sporting excellence began with a silver medal in the men's high jump T64 category at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021. That achievement earned him the Arjuna Award the same year. However, he didn't stop there. In 2024 at the Paris Paralympics, he upgraded his silver to gold with a personal-best leap of 2.08 meters, a performance that led to him receiving the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna in January 2025.
The news of his Padma Shri selection came as a surreal moment for the athlete. "I was training in Delhi when I got a call from a sports ministry official on Sunday," Praveen recalled. "Then, I dialled my father. This honour means a lot, not just for me but for everyone who has supported me."
Balancing Recognition with Responsibility
For Praveen, these honors represent both motivation and increased responsibility. "These recognitions motivate you, but they also increase responsibility," he explained. "I see this as an encouragement to keep improving and performing consistently."
Since receiving the Khel Ratna, Praveen has continued to build on his success. He added a bronze medal in the T64 high jump at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi in September-October last year, clearing a season-best of 2 meters during the competition.
Aiming Higher: Asian Records and World Benchmarks
Never one to rest on his laurels, Praveen has already set his sights on new heights. "I am aiming for 2.1 meters," he declared. "That would be an Asian record. Anything beyond that will be a bonus." His long-term benchmark remains the world record of 2.11 meters, a target that drives his daily training regimen.
The athlete's focus is firmly on upcoming competitions, including the Asian Games later this year in Japan and the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. "Retaining the Paralympic gold is something I think about every day during training," he admitted.
Training Discipline and Humble Beginnings
Based in South Extension-I in Delhi, Praveen maintains a rigorous training schedule of seven to eight hours daily at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. "I moved to Delhi in 2023 so that I could train properly and stay close to the stadium," he said. "It has helped me stay disciplined." Despite his professional commitments, he still misses his hometown, visiting Govindgarh whenever possible. "That's where everything started," he reflected.
That beginning occurred at Pragyan School in Greater Noida, where Praveen initially played volleyball and competed alongside able-bodied athletes. "Later, during an athletics meet in 2016, I tried high jump," he remembered. "That moment changed my direction." In 2018, he transitioned into para-athletics after meeting coach Satyapal Singh at a district-level competition, beginning a partnership that continues to guide his career.
Community Celebrations and Inspiring the Next Generation
The announcement of the Padma Shri sparked joyous celebrations in Jewar's Govindgarh village. Praveen's parents distributed sweets as neighbors flocked to congratulate the family. His father, Amarpal Singh, who works with the irrigation department, shared, "My phone has been ringing since morning with congratulatory calls and messages. We are more than delighted with our son's achievements, which has not only made the family proud but also the village."
Praveen plans to visit his village over the weekend, where he often becomes a source of inspiration for local children. "When I go home, children often gather around and ask about training, food, and how to stay focused," he said. "If my journey shows them that sport is possible from a place like Jewar, that itself is a big achievement for me."
Mentoring Aspiring Para-Athletes
Beyond his athletic achievements, Praveen has become a mentor to young para-athletes across India. "Young para-athletes message me saying they don't know where to start," he revealed. "I try to connect them with the Paralympic Committee of India and tell them about government schemes available for para-athletes. If sharing my experience helps someone take the first step, it's worth it."
From his humble beginnings in Jewar to the pinnacle of Paralympic success and now civilian honor, Praveen Kumar's story continues to inspire both within and beyond the sporting world. His journey demonstrates how dedication, proper guidance, and community support can transform potential into extraordinary achievement.
