New Delhi: Paralympian Praveen Kumar, one of India’s brightest para athletics stars, is gearing up to dazzle on home soil at the New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, scheduled from September 27 to October 5 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Competing in the T64 high jump category, Praveen has carved one of the most inspiring careers in Indian para athletics. He first made his mark internationally with a silver at the 2019 Junior World Championships, followed by another silver at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. He then clinched gold at the Asian Para Games and added a bronze at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships to his growing list of accolades.
Praveen reached new heights at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, securing gold with a personal best and Asian record of 2.08m, according to a press release from the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).
Looking ahead to the New Delhi championships, he said, “Competing in front of my home crowd will be very special. I have trained every day with discipline and focus, perfecting every jump alongside my coach. Moving between training venues was challenging, but it taught me adaptability and strengthened my resolve.”
He added, “With the new Mondo track at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, I feel faster, stronger, and more confident than ever. The support of the fans and the energy of the stadium will push me to go higher and higher.”
Praveen’s journey has been shaped not just by his medals but also by the arenas he has trained in. Ahead of the championships, he had to switch between Thyagaraj Complex and Vinod Nagar Sports Complex while the main stadium track was being relaid—a challenge that only strengthened his determination.
The New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships promises to be India’s biggest-ever para sporting event, featuring over 2,200 athletes and support staff from 104 countries competing in 186 medal events. It will also serve as a key qualifier for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, making it a pivotal stage for Praveen and India’s para athletics team.
With the home crowd behind him, Praveen Kumar is now set to add another chapter to his illustrious career at the New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships.
