Aichi-Nagoya, 21 October (H.S.): Indian para-athletes Praveen Kumar and Bunty delivered a double podium finish in the men’s high jump at the 2026 Asian Para Games, winning gold and silver medals, respectively. Praveen clinched the gold medal by clearing 2.05 metres, while Bunty secured silver with a personal-best jump of 1.92 metres.

Praveen began the competition at a height of 1.92 metres and continued his impressive performance to clear 2.05 metres. In the process, he established a new Games record and successfully defended his title.

Bunty finished second with a jump of 1.92 metres. Uzbekistan’s Temurbek Giyazov won the bronze medal after clearing 1.86 metres.

Praveen’s victory marked another successful title defence at the Asian Para Games. The gold and silver medals won by the Indian athletes gave the country a memorable double podium finish in the event.

Born on May 15, 2003, Praveen Kumar hails from Govindgarh village in Uttar Pradesh’s Gautam Buddh Nagar district. Born with an impairment affecting his lower limbs, he developed an interest in athletics at an early age and eventually made the high jump his principal discipline. He trains under the guidance of Dr Satyapal Singh at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium centre of the Sports Authority of India. He is also among the athletes supported under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).

Praveen established himself on the international stage by winning silver at the Tokyo Paralympic Games with a jump of 2.07 metres. He subsequently won gold at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou. At the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, he clinched gold with a jump of 2.08 metres. In 2025, he won bronze with an effort of 2.00 metres at the World Para Athletics Championships held in New Delhi.

In recognition of his sporting achievements, Praveen received the Arjuna Award in 2021 and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2024. His journey from winning silver at the Tokyo Paralympics to claiming gold in Paris reflects his consistent progress and achievements in Indian para-athletics.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar