PRA-WIN RAISES THE BAR

High-jumper soars to area record to win India’s sixth gold at the Paris Paralympics

- INDRANEEL DAS

"BEFORE the 2.08m jump, I closed my eyes and saw my parents and coach urging me to go for the record," Praveen Kumar said after the gold at the Paris Paralympics on Friday in T64 category. On another level, these words also showed how integral a part parents and the coach played in shaping his life. If not for them, he would not have been a Paralympic champion with a record-breaking effort.

Praveen had some profound words for those battling with disabilities back home. "I would like to say that you get out of the house and take steps towards your goal. There will be problems, but then in everyone's life there are problems but don't be afraid of that." Until about three months ago, Praveen was battling with a groin injury. The Paralympics was looming and during the Worlds, he was struggling.

"I wasn't able to put too much pressure and exert myself and told coach sir," he said after the gold effort. An MRI was done. The injury had to be treated as early as possible.

Praveen said that because of his coach Satyapal Singh and other support staff, he was up and running within 15 days.

"My coach asked me to jump my personal best and he also told me that if I do that, I would be winning gold," the 21-yearold said, who is no stranger to competing with able-bodied athletes as well.