Praveen Kumar is a name borne by several notable Indians, most prominently in the field of sports. The name is common across North India and is associated with athletes, cricketers and television actors. This article focuses on the most widely recognised bearers of the name in Indian public life.
Praveen Kumar Sobti was an Indian athlete and actor, best known for representing India in the hammer throw and the discus throw at the international level, and later for portraying the role of Bhima in the popular television series Mahabharat.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | 6 December 1947, Sarhali Kalan, Punjab |
| Died | 7 February 2022, Delhi |
| Sport | Hammer throw, discus throw |
| Service | Border Security Force (BSF) |
| Notable role | Bhima in B. R. Chopra's Mahabharat (1988–1990) |
| Honours | Arjuna Award; Padma Shri |
Sobti won a silver medal in the hammer throw at the 1966 Asian Games in Bangkok and a gold medal at the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Kingston. He went on to win a gold medal at the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok and a bronze at the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran. He also represented India at the 1968 Mexico City and 1972 Munich Olympic Games.
After retiring from athletics, Sobti moved into Hindi cinema and television. His towering frame led to several supporting roles, but he gained nationwide recognition for his portrayal of Bhima in the televised adaptation of the Mahabharat, directed by Ravi Chopra and produced by B. R. Films, which aired on Doordarshan.
Praveen Kumar is an Indian former international cricketer, a right-arm medium-fast bowler known for his ability to swing the new ball.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Praveen Kumar Sakat |
| Born | 2 October 1986, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh |
| Role | Right-arm medium-fast bowler, lower-order batsman |
| Domestic team | Uttar Pradesh |
| IPL teams | Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gujarat Lions |
| International debut | ODI: 2007 vs Pakistan; Test: 2011 vs England |
Praveen Kumar made his ODI debut for India in November 2007 against Pakistan at Jaipur. He was a member of the Indian squad that won the CB Series in Australia in 2007–08, where his accurate swing bowling in the early overs proved valuable. He played a key role in India's tour of England in 2011, taking his maiden Test five-wicket haul at Lord's. Persistent injuries, particularly to his elbow and back, restricted his international appearances, and he last played for India in 2012.
The shared name across athletics, cricket, para-sports and entertainment reflects the breadth of Indian public life associated with the name Praveen Kumar. Praveen Kumar Sobti's transition from international athletics to mainstream television, and the cricketer Praveen Kumar's role in India's swing bowling tradition, are the two most enduring associations.