Paralympic gold medallist Praveen Kumar honoured with Padma Shri
In a moment of immense pride for the nation, Indian high jumper Praveen Kumar has been conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award, the fourth-highest civilian award of India. This recognition comes after his remarkable achievement at the Paris Paralympics, where he bagged the gold medal in the men’s high jump – T64 event. The 22-year-old para-athlete has been making waves in the sports world with his exceptional talent and dedication, and this honour is a testament to his hard work and perseverance.
Praveen Kumar’s journey to success has not been an easy one. Born with a physical disability, he faced numerous challenges and obstacles that could have easily deterred him from pursuing his passion for sports. However, with the support of his family and his own unwavering determination, he overcame these hurdles and went on to achieve greatness. His gold medal win at the Paris Paralympics is a shining example of his capabilities, and it has inspired countless others to chase their dreams, regardless of the challenges they may face.
The Padma Shri award is a fitting recognition of Praveen Kumar’s achievements, and it is a proud moment for the nation. The award is conferred by the Government of India to recognize distinguished service of a high order in various fields, including sports. By honouring Praveen Kumar with this award, the government is acknowledging his outstanding contribution to the world of sports and his role in inspiring others to strive for excellence.
Praveen Kumar’s response to the honour is a testament to his humility and dedication to his craft. When asked about the recognition, he 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 his commitment to his sport and his desire to continue making his country proud. His statement also highlights the impact that sports can have on individuals and society as a whole, and the importance of recognizing and supporting talented athletes like Praveen Kumar.
The recognition of Praveen Kumar’s achievements is also a reflection of the growing importance of para-sports in India. In recent years, the country has made significant strides in promoting and supporting para-sports, and the results are beginning to show. Indian para-athletes have been performing exceptionally well at international competitions, and their achievements are inspiring others to take up sports. The government’s initiatives to support para-sports, including the provision of funding and infrastructure, have also played a crucial role in promoting the development of para-sports in the country.
Praveen Kumar’s story is an inspiration to us all, and his achievements are a reminder of the power of sports to transform lives and bring people together. As he looks to the future and prepares for upcoming competitions, he will undoubtedly continue to inspire others with his talent, dedication, and passion for his sport. The nation will be watching him with great interest, and we can expect great things from this talented young athlete in the years to come.
In conclusion, the conferment of the Padma Shri award on Praveen Kumar is a well-deserved recognition of his achievements and a testament to his hard work and dedication. It is also a reflection of the growing importance of para-sports in India and the government’s initiatives to support and promote para-athletes. As we celebrate Praveen Kumar’s success, we are reminded of the impact that sports can have on individuals and society, and the importance of recognizing and supporting talented athletes like him.
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