From Paralympic gold to Padma Shri: Praveen Kumar's story
What's the story
World number one para high jumper and Paralympic gold medalist Praveen Kumar will be honored with the Padma Shri award. The honor will be conferred during the first Investiture Ceremony of the Padma Awards 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 25. President Droupadi Murmu will present these prestigious civilian honors. In January this year, the Indian government announced 131 Padma Awards, including five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri honors.
Transition
From volleyball to high jump: Kumar's journey
Born in 2003, Kumar started his athletic journey with volleyball in school. He later switched to high jump, despite initial resistance from his teacher due to concerns over his leg condition. However, he went on to compete in the able-bodied category and bagged a gold medal. His mother, Nirdoshi Devi, remembered a striking prediction made during his childhood, "Once a sage met us in the market and said that Praveen had the feet of copper. He would make India proud."
Athletic milestones
Kumar's achievements in international para athletics
Kumar, who was born with a physical disability, has made India proud with his performances in international para athletics. He won a silver medal in the men's high jump T64 event at the 2020 Summer Paralympics held in 2021. He then clinched gold at the 2024 Summer Paralympics with a personal-best jump of 2.08 meters. His silver medal earned him the Arjuna Award in 2021, while his gold medal earned him the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award in 2025.
Award significance
All about Padma Awards
The Padma Awards are among India's highest civilian honors, given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. The awards recognize contributions in various fields such as art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service. The Modi government's "#PeoplesPadma" initiative aims to democratize national recognition, honoring quiet, grassroots contributors alongside well-known figures.