Praveen Kumar shatters Asian Para Games record to clinch men's high jump gold, Banti bags silver

India’s Praveen Kumar produced a record-breaking performance in the men’s high jump at the Asian Para Games, securing the gold medal. Banti finished with silver in the event.

Record-breaking performance

Kumar’s result adds an Asian Para Games record to his achievements in para high jump. He is regarded as one of India’s leading performers in the sport, and the victory reinforces his standing in the discipline.

The competition also brought a silver medal for Banti, giving India the top two places in the men’s high jump event.

From Gautam Buddha Nagar to para athletics

Kumar comes from Govindgarh village in Uttar Pradesh’s Gautam Buddha Nagar district. Born with a lower-limb impairment, he developed an interest in athletics at an early age before specialising in high jump.

He competes in the men’s T64 category under the guidance of Dr Satyapal Singh. That progression from early involvement in athletics to specialised para high jump has made Kumar one of India’s notable competitors in the sport.

Why the result matters

The gold medal and record mark a significant result for Kumar at the Asian Para Games. Alongside Banti’s silver, the outcome highlights India’s performance in the men’s high jump competition.

Kumar’s record-setting success adds another notable chapter to his para-athletics career, while his background and continued development underline the role of specialised training in elite competition.