‘Did Not Want Regret’: Praveen Kumar Celebrates Triumph With Gold Medal Victory at Paralympics

India's Praveen Kumar modified his Tokyo silver to gold in the 2024 Paris Paralympics with a record-breaking performance. The high jumper continued to defy expectations, delivering his best Paralympic performance yet. Praveen, a 21-year-old from Noida, set a new Asian record by jumping 2.08 meters. It was also his personal best performance. Praveen was particularly ecstatic after delivering a record-smashing performance in Paris, saying that he particularly waited for the moment to happen.

Also Read: Harvinder Singh Sets Sight On New Target After Getting Gold At Paralympics

Para-High Jumper Praveen Kumar expresses his delight after gold medal finish in 2024 Paralympics

While speaking to ANI after his medal win, Paralympian Praveen Kumar expressed that he was determined to win the gold medal and did not want to regret it as he returned to India after his campaign. Praveen also revealed that he did not expect it to happen and had intended to put his personal best jump on display.

"I had not thought it would happen. I just wanted to deliver my personal best. I cannot express my happiness in words. My sir told me to go for my personal best.

"I waited for this moment (to have the national anthem playing) for three years. I cannot forget this. I did not want regret this time. I wanted gold this time, otherwise, I would not have gone to India in the best way," said Praveen Kumar.

Also Read: 'Proud Of Him': Narendra Modi Hails Praveen Kumar For Winning Paralympics High Jump Gold

India's gold medalist in the Men's High Jump has also credited PM Narendra Modi as he believes that the PM's interaction with the athletes boosts their motivation to clinch a medal finish.

Praveen chose to begin at 1.89 meters and completed seven flawless jumps on his debut, putting him in the perfect spot to win the gold medal. After that, the bar was raised to 2.10 meters, and both Kumar and USA's Derek Loccident fought for the top podium position but were unable to surpass it. At last, Loccident bagged the silver with the 2.06m jump while Uzbekistan's Temurbek Giyazov, who notched a personal best of 2.03m, finished third.

Praveen Kumar's gold medal finish takes India's overall tally to 27 medals, which is their best-ever count so far. India now has the highest number of gold medals, with six to their name, which surpasses the Tokyo Games' official count (5). The Para-athletes' vision to surpass the Tokyo Games' numbers has been successful.