Paralympic gold medallist Praveen Kumar honoured with Padma Shri
In a moment of great pride for the nation, Indian high jumper Praveen Kumar, who bagged gold in the men’s high jump – T64 event at Paris Paralympics, has been honoured with Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award of India. This prestigious award is a testament to Praveen’s hard work, dedication, and outstanding achievement in the field of sports. The 22-year-old para-athlete has made the country proud with his remarkable feat, and this recognition is a well-deserved tribute to his talent and perseverance.
Praveen Kumar’s journey to success is an inspiring story of overcoming challenges and pushing boundaries. Born with a physical disability, Praveen never let his limitations hold him back from pursuing his passion for sports. With the support of his family and coaches, he worked tirelessly to develop his skills and strength, eventually rising to become one of the top para-athletes in the country. His gold medal win at the Paris Paralympics was a historic moment for India, marking a new milestone in the nation’s paralympic journey.
The Padma Shri award is a significant recognition of Praveen’s achievement, and the young athlete is thrilled to receive this honour. In a statement, Praveen said, “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 Praveen’s humility, gratitude, and commitment to his sport. Despite achieving great success, he remains focused on his goals and is driven to continue making the country proud.
Praveen’s story is a shining example of the power of sports to transform lives and inspire others. His achievement is not just a personal triumph but also a testament to the potential of Indian para-athletes to excel on the global stage. The Padma Shri award is a recognition of Praveen’s contribution to the nation’s sporting landscape, and it is hoped that this honour will motivate other aspiring para-athletes to follow in his footsteps.
The Indian government’s decision to confer the Padma Shri award on Praveen Kumar is a significant step in promoting inclusivity and recognition of para-sports in the country. For too long, para-athletes have been overlooked and underappreciated, despite their remarkable achievements. Praveen’s award is a welcome change, acknowledging the dedication, hard work, and sacrifice that para-athletes make to pursue their passion for sports.
As Praveen looks to the future, he is aware of the challenges that lie ahead. The road to success is never easy, and the competition is fierce. However, with his talent, determination, and the love and support of the nation, Praveen is confident of overcoming any obstacle and achieving even greater heights. His goal is to continue making the country proud, and with the Padma Shri award, he has been given a powerful motivation to strive for excellence.
In conclusion, Praveen Kumar’s Padma Shri award is a momentous occasion for Indian sports, marking a new chapter in the nation’s paralympic journey. The young para-athlete’s achievement is a testament to the power of sports to inspire, motivate, and transform lives. As Praveen continues to soar to new heights, his story will serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless others, reminding us that with hard work, dedication, and perseverance, anything is possible.