Paralympic gold medallist Praveen Kumar honoured with Padma Shri
The Indian sports fraternity has been abuzz with excitement as Paralympic gold medallist Praveen Kumar was recently conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award. This honour is a testament to Kumar’s outstanding achievements in the field of athletics, particularly in the men’s high jump – T64 event. The 22-year-old high jumper made history by bagging the gold medal at the Paris Paralympics, bringing pride and glory to the nation.
The Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award of India, and it is a significant recognition of an individual’s exceptional contributions to their field. Kumar’s achievement is all the more remarkable considering his young age and the challenges he has overcome to reach the pinnacle of success in his sport. The award is a well-deserved recognition of his hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Kumar’s reaction to being conferred with the Padma Shri is a testament to his humility and commitment to his sport. He stated, “I’m getting a lot of love from the nation due to sports…This motivates me to perform better in the upcoming games and clinch a gold medal for the nation.” These words reflect his passion for athletics and his desire to continue making his country proud.
The T64 event is a classification for athletes with a physical impairment, and Kumar’s success in this category is a beacon of hope for many young athletes with disabilities. His achievements demonstrate that with determination and support, individuals with disabilities can excel in their chosen fields and achieve greatness.
Kumar’s journey to the top has not been easy. He has faced numerous challenges and setbacks, but he has never let them deter him from pursuing his dreams. His dedication to his training and his unwavering commitment to his sport have paid off, and he is now an inspiration to many young athletes across the country.
The Padma Shri award is not only a recognition of Kumar’s individual achievements but also a testament to the growing recognition of para-sports in India. The country has made significant strides in promoting and supporting para-athletes, and Kumar’s success is a result of this efforts.
As Kumar looks to the future, he is determined to continue performing at the highest level and bringing glory to his country. His motivation to perform better in upcoming games and clinch a gold medal for the nation is a testament to his competitive spirit and his desire to make a lasting impact in the world of athletics.
The Indian government’s recognition of Kumar’s achievements is a significant step forward in promoting para-sports and encouraging more athletes with disabilities to take up sports. The Padma Shri award is a prestigious honour that will inspire many young athletes to follow in Kumar’s footsteps and strive for excellence in their chosen fields.
In conclusion, Praveen Kumar’s conferment with the Padma Shri award is a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding achievements in the field of athletics. His dedication, perseverance, and passion for his sport have made him a role model for many young athletes, and his success is a testament to the growing recognition of para-sports in India. As he looks to the future, Kumar is determined to continue making his country proud and inspiring a new generation of athletes to strive for greatness.