New Delhi: Accolades have been flowing for Praveen Kumar since he won silver in the men’s High Jump T64 category, taking India’s tally at the Tokyo Paralympics Games to 11.
On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sachin Tendulkar expressed their admiration for the 18-year-old para-high jumper.
Praveen broke the Asian record with a 2.07m jump which helped him clinch India’s fourth silver in men’s high jump and 11th medal overall at the Games.
“Proud of Praveen Kumar for winning the Silver medal at the #Paralympics. This medal is the result of his hard work and unparalleled dedication. Congratulations to him. Best wishes for his future endeavours. #Praise4Para,” PM Modi wrote on Twitter.
Proud of Praveen Kumar for winning the Silver medal at the #Paralympics. This medal is the result of his hard work and unparalleled dedication. Congratulations to him. Best wishes for his future endeavours. #Praise4Para
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 3, 2021
Meanwhile, cricket great Sachin Tendulkar wrote, “Heartiest congratulations Praveen Kumar on winning the Silver Medal & also setting an Asian Record in the process in the Men’s T44 class high jump.”
Heartiest congratulations Praveen Kumar on winning the Silver Medal 🥈 for 🇮🇳 & also setting an Asian Record in the process in the Men's T44 class high jump.
#Praise4Para #Tokyo2020 #Paralympics #ParaAthletics pic.twitter.com/hMxVEseDuI
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 3, 2021
Praveen couldn’t clear the 2.07m mark in his first attempt. However, he made a smooth finish to clear the mark in his second try making the Asian record.
Abhinav Bindra, India’s first ever individual gold medallist at the Olympics, was also among those who congratulated Praveen. “Just 18 years old and already a Paralympic medalist! Congratulations Praveen Kumar on winning the Silver medal in the men’s high jump T44 #Tokyo2020 #Praise4Para,” he stated.
Just 18 years old and already a Paralympic medalist! Congratulations Praveen Kumar on winning the Silver medal in the men’s high jump T44 #Tokyo2020 #Praise4Para
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) September 3, 2021
Paralympic Committee of India president and 2016 Rio Paralympics silver medallist Deepa Malik also congratulated Praveen on his achievement.
“Good morning India!! We have secured our 11th medal, this time in the Men’s High Jump T64 event courtesy Praveen Kumar. What a fabulous performance to bring home. The country will be proud of his exceptional effort!#Praise4Para @narendramodi @ianuragthakur @NisithPramanik,” she said.
Good morning India!!
We have secured our 11th medal, this time in the Men’s High Jump T64 event courtesy Praveen Kumar. What a fabulous performance to bring home🥈. The country will be proud of his exceptional effort!#Praise4Para @narendramodi @ianuragthakur @NisithPramanik pic.twitter.com/0ZqUfy4uKA— Deepa Malik PLY (@DeepaAthlete) September 3, 2021