Paralympic gold medallist Praveen Kumar honoured with Padma Shri
The Indian sports community has been abuzz with excitement as Paralympic gold medallist Praveen Kumar was recently honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri award. This recognition is a testament to the 22-year-old high jumper’s exceptional talent, dedication, and perseverance in the face of adversity. The Padma Shri, which is the fourth-highest civilian award of India, is a fitting tribute to Praveen’s outstanding achievements in the world of sports.
Praveen Kumar’s journey to success has been nothing short of inspiring. Born with a physical disability, he has never let his limitations hold him back from pursuing his passion for sports. With unwavering determination and hard work, he has risen to become one of India’s most accomplished Paralympic athletes. His gold medal win in the men’s high jump – T64 event at the Paris Paralympics has made the nation proud, and his recent conferment with the Padma Shri has only added to his glory.
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 young athlete’s commitment to his craft and his desire to continue making his country proud. The recognition he has received will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst, driving him to push beyond his limits and achieve even greater heights in the world of sports.
The Padma Shri award is a significant honour, not only for Praveen Kumar but also for the entire Indian sports community. It highlights the country’s growing recognition and appreciation for the achievements of its para-athletes. For too long, para-sports have been relegated to the sidelines, with many athletes struggling to receive the support and recognition they deserve. However, with athletes like Praveen Kumar leading the way, the tide is slowly beginning to turn.
Praveen’s achievement is a shining example of what can be accomplished with determination, hard work, and a supportive ecosystem. His success will undoubtedly inspire countless other young athletes with disabilities to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence in their chosen sports. As the Indian sports community continues to evolve and grow, it is essential that we provide a supportive and inclusive environment for all athletes, regardless of their abilities.
The Indian government has been taking steps to promote para-sports and provide greater support to athletes with disabilities. Initiatives such as the Accessible India Campaign and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities’ schemes for promoting sports among persons with disabilities are welcome steps in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to create a level playing field for para-athletes and provide them with the resources and support they need to succeed.
As Praveen Kumar basks in the glory of his Padma Shri award, he remains focused on his future goals. With the upcoming games on the horizon, he is more determined than ever to continue making his country proud. His words, “This motivates me to perform better in the upcoming games and clinch a gold medal for the nation,” serve as a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft.
In conclusion, Praveen Kumar’s conferment with the Padma Shri award is a momentous occasion, not only for the young athlete but also for the entire Indian sports community. It highlights the growing recognition and appreciation for para-sports in India and serves as a beacon of hope for countless other young athletes with disabilities. As we celebrate Praveen’s achievement, we must also acknowledge the need for greater support and inclusivity in our sports ecosystem. By working together, we can create a brighter future for all athletes, regardless of their abilities, and help India emerge as a powerhouse in the world of sports.
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