Praveen Kumar faced significant health issues while competing at the Asian Para Games, which impacted his performance. The reigning Paralympic champion dealt with a viral fever shortly after arriving in Japan, which left him struggling with cold, cough, and vomiting during the competition. Despite these adversities, he managed to clear a height of 2.05m, winning the men’s high jump T44/64 gold medal and setting a new Games record.

Competing at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium, Praveen’s physical condition was less than optimal. He experienced severe coughing spells and nausea between jumps, yet he persevered to secure his second consecutive Asian Para Games title. In an interview, he expressed that while he felt fine during the final, the initial jump triggered a headache due to the congestion he was experiencing.

Praveen’s determination to break his own Asian Para Games record, which was previously set at 1.95m in the T44 category, made his victory even more significant. He stated that achieving this feat while battling illness was particularly gratifying, showcasing his resilience and commitment to the sport.

Impact of Hip Injury on Performance

In addition to his health challenges, Praveen has been contending with a hip injury that has affected his jumping ability for several months. After winning gold at the Paris Paralympics with a personal best jump of 2.08m, he faced difficulties due to a ligament tear in his hip that hindered his power during take-off.

His injury led to a disappointing performance at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi last September, where he managed to secure a bronze medal with a jump of 2.00m. Following this, he struggled to reach the 2.05m mark in subsequent competitions. However, a recent jump of 2.03m on the national circuit provided him with hope for recovery.

Praveen’s journey has been marked by his determination to overcome these setbacks. He has focused on rehabilitation exercises to strengthen his hip muscles and enhance the power needed for jumping. Despite the challenges, he remained motivated to regain his form and achieve his previous heights.

Training and Future Aspirations

Praveen Kumar’s introduction to high jump came from watching online videos, and he has been training under coach Satyapal Singh since 2018. The coach played a crucial role in helping him maintain a positive mindset during his recovery from injury. Singh noted that Praveen’s technique and speed have always been his strengths, which he aims to enhance further.

With his recent victory, Praveen is now focused on defending his Paralympic title at the upcoming Los Angeles Games. He draws inspiration from Canadian high jumper Derek Drouin, studying his technique to improve his own performance. Praveen aims to strengthen his left leg and adjust his approach to increase his run-up, which he believes will help him surpass his personal best in the next season.

Praveen’s commitment to his training and his determination to overcome physical limitations reflect his dedication to the sport. As he prepares for future competitions, he remains optimistic about his ability to achieve new heights and continue making a mark in para athletics.

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