"I could not believe that I had won gold" - Praveen Kumar reminisces Paralympic triumph, talks about newly found recognition and more
Four years back, para-athlete Praveen Kumar went through a range of emotions having missed out on the Paralympic gold medal by a whisker. Though Praveen was lauded for a well earned silver at the Tokyo Paralympics, there was something hurting him deep within -- that of not getting to hear India's national anthem being played.
At the Paris Paralympics 2024, the para-high jumper ensured he doesn't have to go through that same emotion again. Praveen shared what it meant to him being on the podium with the gold medal around his neck.
The 21-year-old was in a conversation with Sportskeeda on the sidelines of a recent felicitation ceremony for para-athletes in Delhi.
"A few years back in Tokyo, I was left heartbroken having come so close to the gold. While the world was celebrating, I still felt I could have done more. This time I had to win the gold in Paris and so I did. When that moment arrived, I could not believe it. The dream that was left broken in Tokyo got fulfilled in Paris," said Praveen.
The moments that Praveen Kumar was able to live in Paris were nothing short of a fairytale for him. Kumar had already started dreaming of being on the podium while his event was still running. When he finally heard the crowd cheering 'India..India', it gave him 'goosebumps' like never before.
"Once I marked 2.08, in that moment my thoughts started to overtake my emotions. I could visualize myself on the podium and the entire crowd cheering me on. I was just waiting to live it. When the national anthem played I got goosebumps. There were thousands of people cheering ‘India, India’," said Praveen.
Meeting the Prime Minister made me realize my accomplishment: Praveen Kumar on the accolades he has received since Paris
Praveen Kumar is still very young but has already achieved what is a dream for numerous athletes. However, he could only really understand the magnitude of his achievement once he got back home. Kumar shared that his visit to the Prime Minister's house made him realize what he had actually accomplished.
"I have already attended a few functions and it feels amazing. But, when I met the Prime Minister, it made me realise that I have done something big. I am being spoken with such high regards where ever I go. This is an unreal reception," he said.
Last but not the least, Praveen can not hold himself back from mentioning those who have stood by him unconditionally, his family. The Uttar Pradesh-born para-athlete sees his loved ones as a 'rock' in his life.
"My family was a constant support system and are like a rock in my life. They told me not to lose faith at any point. That went a long way in where I am at today," he concluded.
The road ahead looks extremely bright for Praveen Kumar who promises to grow leaps and bounds from here onwards.