JAPAN. Tokyo: Indian athlete Praveen Kumar won the silver medal in the men’s high jump T64 event. With Kumar’s medal, the country’s medal tally has now reached 12 at the Tokyo Paralympics. The 18-year-old debutant also set a new Asian record on Friday with a 2.07m jump.
Kumar finished behind Great Britain’s Jonathan Broom-Edwards, who clinched the gold medal with a 2.10m jump. The bronze medal went to former champion Maciej Lepiato of Poland who produced an effort of 2.04m.
Euphoric reactions poured in from all corners of India after Kumar’s win. The social media sites were flooded with congratulatory messages for the athlete.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Kumar for his hard work and unparalleled dedication. “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 endeavors,” he tweeted.
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Home minister Amit Shah also congratulated Kumar. He said that the nation was extremely proud of him. President Ramnath Kovind showered the athlete with praises and called him an inspiration for aspiring athletes.
Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar tweeted, “Heartiest congratulations Praveen Kumar on winning the Silver Medal Second place medal for Flag of India & also setting an Asian Record in the process in the Men’s T44 class high jump.”
