Padma Shri awardee and Paralympic gold medalist Praveen Kumar has shared his ambition to realize his father’s lifelong aspiration of establishing a hospital, a project he plans to finish by 2028. Reflecting on his family’s sacrifices during his athletic journey, Praveen highlighted their unwavering support that fueled his pursuit of excellence.
Praveen emphasized that his parents never allowed financial constraints to hinder his progress, always encouraging him to pursue his dreams without restrictions. Despite facing economic challenges, his family silently arranged resources to aid his training and competitions, shielding him from their struggles.
Recalling a significant moment after winning a silver medal at the Junior World Championships in 2019, Praveen disclosed how he discovered his father’s financial burdens and promptly used his prize money to alleviate a portion of the debt. This gesture not only surprised his father but also eased his worries, marking a pivotal juncture in their relationship.
Praveen narrated a transformative conversation with his father following his silver medal win at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, where his father expressed immense pride and shared a long-held dream of establishing a hospital. Motivated by his father’s unfulfilled aspiration, Praveen has initiated the project near the Jewar airport, aiming to provide quality healthcare to the community.
Expressing his commitment to realizing his father’s dream, Praveen revealed that construction has commenced, with most paperwork completed for the hospital project. With a vision to offer comprehensive healthcare services without financial barriers, he envisions completing the hospital by 2028, coinciding with his next Paralympic endeavor in Los Angeles.
