New Delhi, Sep 3 : President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi Today congratulated high jumper Praveen Kumar and shooter Avani Lekhara for winning medals at the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics.

Eighteen-year-old Kumar made a 2.07-m jump to set a new Asian record and win the silver medal in the men’s high jump T64 event of the Paralympics.

Kovind said Kumar’s achievement has brought joy to every sport-loving Indian.

‘Impressive performance by Praveen Kumar at #Paralympics. Your silver medal in men’s high jump with a new Asian record has brought joy to every sport-loving Indian. Your success will inspire all budding athletes. Heartiest congratulations. May you keep on achieving new milestones,’ the President tweeted.

In his message, Naidu termed Kumar’s feat “phenomenal”.

‘Heartiest congratulations to High Jumper Praveen Kumar for winning a #Silver medal in Men’s High Jump T64 event at the Tokyo #Paralympics. The entire nation is proud of him. His phenomenal performance is an inspiration to many. My best wishes for his future endeavours,’ he tweeted.

PM Modi said Praveen’s medal is the result of his hard work and unparalleled dedication.

‘Proud of Praveen Kumar for winning the Silver medal at the #Paralympics. This medal is the result of his hard work and unparalleled dedication. Congratulations to him. Best wishes for his future endeavours. #Praise4Para,” tweeted Modi.

Shooter Avani Lekhara, 19, cinched the bronze medal in the women’s 50m rifle three positions SH1 event at the Paralympics.

This was Lekhara’s second medal at the Tokyo games, making her the first Indian woman to win multiple medals at the Paralympics. On Monday, she had become the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold in the 10m air rifle standing SH1 event.

The President praised Lekhara for the outstanding feat at such a young age and lauded her consistency and commitment to succeed.

‘Congratulations to Avani Lekhara for winning the bronze and becoming the first Indian woman to win two medals at #Paralympics. This is an outstanding feat at such a young age. Your consistency & commitment to succeed are an inspiration for all. Best wishes for future endeavours,’ Kovind said in a tweet.

The Vice President praised Lekhara for her exemplary performances that reflect her hard work and determination.

‘Avani Lekhara does it again! Many congratulations to her on bagging a #Bronze medal in the Women’s 50m Rifle 3P SH1 event at Tokyo #Paralympics 2020. Her exemplary performances reflect her hard work and determination. My best wishes for her bright future. #AvaniLekhara,’ tweeted Naidu.

PM Modi congratulated Avani for winning the bronze medal at the Paralympics.

‘More glory at the Tokyo #Paralympics. Elated by the stupendous performance of @AvaniLekhara. Congratulations to her on bringing home the Bronze medal. Wishing her the very best for her future endeavours. #Praise4Para,’ tweeted Modi.

India has won 12 medals (two gold, six silver and four bronze) at the Tokyo games so far.(UNI)