Nagoya, October 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India secured a memorable one-two finish in the men’s high jump T44 event at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games on Wednesday, with two-time Paralympic medallist Praveen Kumar winning gold and Banti claiming silver.
Praveen successfully cleared 2.05 metres to set a new Games record and defend his Asian Para Games title. Starting his competition at 1.92 metres, the Indian athlete went on to produce a record-breaking performance to secure the top spot on the podium.
He first surpassed the previous Games record of 1.95 metres, set by Uzbekistan’s Temurbek Giyazov at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Para Games, by clearing 2.00 metres. Praveen then raised the bar further, clearing 2.05 metres on his final attempt to seal the gold medal.
Banti complemented Praveen’s achievement by registering a personal best of 1.92 metres to win silver, completing India’s double podium finish. Giyazov took the bronze medal after clearing 1.86 metres.
The T44 classification covers athletes with lower-limb impairments, including limb deficiency, leg-length difference, impaired muscle power or restricted passive range of movement, who compete without a prosthesis.
Praveen has established himself among India’s leading para-athletes through a series of major international performances. He won silver in the men’s high jump T64 at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, held in 2021, with a leap of 2.07 metres that was then an Asian record.
He subsequently won gold at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, the 2022 edition held in 2023, before claiming the Paralympic title at Paris 2024 with a jump of 2.08 metres.
In 2025, Praveen added another international medal to his record, winning bronze in the men’s high jump T64 at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi with a clearance of 2.00 metres.
His latest triumph in Nagoya further strengthens his record at the continental level, while Banti’s silver ensured India occupied the top two positions in the event.
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