Paralympic gold medallist Praveen Kumar honoured with Padma Shri
The world of Indian sports has been abuzz with excitement as Praveen Kumar, the 22-year-old high jumper, has been conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award. This recognition comes on the heels of his impressive performance at the Paris Paralympics, where he bagged the gold medal in the men’s high jump – T64 event. The Padma Shri, which is the fourth-highest civilian award in India, is a testament to Praveen’s hard work, dedication, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Praveen’s journey to the top has not been an easy one. Born with a physical disability, he has had to overcome numerous challenges to achieve his dreams. However, with the support of his family, coaches, and his own unwavering determination, he has been able to defy the odds and emerge as a champion. His gold medal win at the Paris Paralympics was a historic moment for India, and it marked a new milestone in the country’s journey towards becoming a sporting powerhouse.
The Padma Shri award is a fitting recognition of Praveen’s achievements, and it is a proud moment for the entire nation. In a statement, Praveen expressed his gratitude and humility, saying, “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 the spirit of a true champion, who is not content to rest on his laurels, but is instead driven to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence.
Praveen’s story is an inspiration to millions of young Indians, who are aspiring to make a name for themselves in the world of sports. His achievements demonstrate that with hard work, passion, and dedication, anything is possible, regardless of the challenges one may face. As a role model, Praveen is sure to inspire a new generation of athletes, who will be motivated to follow in his footsteps and strive for excellence in their respective disciplines.
The conferment of the Padma Shri award on Praveen Kumar is also a testament to the growing recognition of para-sports in India. For too long, para-athletes have been relegated to the sidelines, with their achievements often going unnoticed. However, with the success of athletes like Praveen, there is a growing awareness of the importance of promoting para-sports and providing equal opportunities to athletes with disabilities.
The government of India has been taking steps to promote para-sports, including the establishment of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, which is responsible for implementing policies and programs for the welfare of persons with disabilities. The government has also launched several initiatives to promote sports among persons with disabilities, including the provision of funding, infrastructure, and training facilities.
The private sector has also been playing a crucial role in promoting para-sports in India. Several companies have come forward to sponsor para-athletes and provide them with the necessary resources and support to compete at the international level. The media has also been doing its part to promote para-sports, with several news channels and newspapers providing extensive coverage of para-sporting events.
As Praveen Kumar basks in the glory of his Padma Shri award, he is aware that there is still a long way to go. He knows that there are many more challenges to overcome, and many more medals to be won. But for now, he is savoring the moment, and enjoying the love and adoration of the nation. As he looks to the future, he is confident that he will continue to make India proud, and inspire a new generation of athletes to follow in his footsteps.
In conclusion, the conferment of the Padma Shri award on Praveen Kumar is a proud moment for India, and a testament to the country’s growing recognition of para-sports. Praveen’s achievements are an inspiration to millions, and his story is a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and perseverance, anything is possible. As we look to the future, we can be sure that Praveen will continue to soar to new heights, and make India proud on the international stage.
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