The world No. 1 para high jumper is being recognised for his contribution to sports after his performances in international para athletics.
Born with a physical disability, Praveen won silver in the men’s high jump T64 event at the 2020 Summer Paralympics in 2021 before winning gold at the 2024 Summer Paralympics with a personal-best jump of 2.08 metres.
His silver medal in Tokyo earned him the Arjuna Award in 2021, while his gold medal in Paris saw him receive the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna in January 2025.
The ministry of home affairs shared a post on X, saying, “Praveen Kumar, world No. 1 para high jumper and Paralympic gold medallist, will be honoured with the Padma Shri for his outstanding contribution to sports. Born with a physical disability, he rose through determination and scientific training to become one of India’s most successful para-athletes, winning medals at the Paralympic Games, World Championships, and Asian Para Games, while setting multiple Asian records. His achievements have broken barriers between para and able-bodied athletics and continue to inspire young athletes across the country.”
Born in 2003, Praveen first played volleyball during his school days before switching to high jump. His teacher was initially hesitant to let him compete because of concerns over his leg condition.
Despite those concerns, Praveen competed in the able-bodied category and won gold.
His mother, Nirdoshi Devi, recalled an early prediction about her son’s future and said in the MHA video, “Once a sage met us in the market and said that Praveen had the feet of copper. He would make India proud. I have only given him birth. But actually, he is the son of the nation, born to bring glory to India.”
The Padma Awards are among the country’s highest civilian honours and are presented in three categories — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
The awards are given across several fields, including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports and civil service. The Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, the Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of high order, and the Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field.