The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports conferred the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024 on India’s para-athletics star, Praveen Kumar. The prestigious award bestowed by the President Of India, Sri Droupadi Murmu shows Praven Kumar’s extraordinary contributions to the world of para-athletics and his exceptional performances.
A Bit About Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, instituted in 1991 as a tribute to the legendary Indian hockey icon, Major Dhyan Chand, is the highest sports award given in India. It was established to appreciate the athletes for their exemplary achievement in their sports at an international level. The Government Of India will now take pride in awarding Praveen Kumar with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024 on 17th January, 2025.
Praveen Kumar’s Journey Of Devotion
Praveen Kumar is a para-athlete who competes in the Men’s High Jump event. He has managed to capture the imagination of sports enthusiasts across the country. Born in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, he had a congenital impairment that affects the bones connecting the hips to the legs. However, Praveen has proved himself to be one of India’s most promising para-athletes.
Praven Kumar’s Hunt For Medals
His adventure into sports began in the year 2019. He won a silver medal at the World Para Junior Championships in Switzerland. Under the able guidance of coach Satyapal Singh, his potential caught the eye immediately. In the shortest possible time, he won a silver at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics with a jump of 2.07 meters.
Praveen Kumar’s ‘High-Jump’ In Para-Athletics
Praveen Kumar won the gold in World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2022 and in the Asian Para Games 2023 in Hangzhou, smashing the records and emerging successful not just as another winner but also smasher of all time Games records. Huge applause and cheering have Praveen Kumar and achieving a gold for the first time at the 2024 Paris Paralympics place him firmly amongst one of the most decorated Indian para-athletes ever.
Praveen Kumar Serves As An Inspiration
The story of Praveen Kumar is full of hard work, and inspiration. What makes his journey unique is the unique entry into the world of para-sports. Praveen Kumar, being a keen volleyball player during his school days, found para-athletics after a very inspiring Google search wherein he came to know about high jump as an option for his sport. He has received international recognition and accolades through his commitment and passion for his craft.
The support comes in the form of Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) backing for Praveen Kumar, who has secured admission at Delhi University.
Coach Satyapal Singh has been quite instrumental in ensuring he reaches the pinnacle of success in para-athletics.
It speaks of Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024, testifying to the relentless toil and will to succeed put forth by Praveen Kumar. He inspires generations with hope and makes others believe that there is still more for them, especially in para-sports, which are still budding sports.
Praveen Kumar To Receive The Khel Ratna
The journey of Praveen Kumar in para-athletics is far from over with his eyes on further success. Preparations have already begun as he is to receive the Khel Ratna Award on January 17, 2025 and India looks forward to more milestones in the remarkable career of one of India’s brightest stars in para-sports.
Praveen Kumar’s success proves that no challenge is ever insurmountable as long as passion and perseverance are at play.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye