Tokyo Paralympics: India’s Praveen Kumar breaks Asian record, wins silver in men's high jump T64

NEW DELHI: India added another medal to its ParalympicS tally after Praveen Kumar clinched a silver medal in Men's High Jump T64 event.

The 18-year-old cleared 1.83 meters in his first attempt before giving the 1.93 meters attempt a pass. He then returned for the second attempt and cleared the distance of 1.97 meters, to be placed joint top with Briant's Jonathan Edwards and Poland's Maciej Lepiato.

All three then cleared the 2.01 meters mark, giving each other the closest competition possible for the top podium spot.

Praveen then went into a tie-breaking jump with the Polish para-athlete and efficiently cleared a distance of 2.04 meters. Lepiato also cleared the distance, going joint top with Praveen. Britain's Jonathan also successfully cleared the 2.04 meters mark to produced a neck-to-neck fight for gold.

In his second attempt to clear the 2.07 meters mark, Pravin produced the required leap and registered a clean jump, also breaking the Asian record and registering his personal best.

As Kumar brought glory to the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the 18-year-old.

The Prime Minister wrote, “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 endeavours. #Praise4Para

The ongoing Games are turning out to be India’s best ever and the nation has so far claimed two gold, six silver and three bronze medals.