Dr. Malathi Holla
About
A champion for the differently-abled in India, Dr. Malathi Holla is an international para-athlete who has overcome insurmountable problems to become an international athlete.
She has represented India in the Paralympics held in South Korea, Barcelona, Athens, and Beijing. She was also part of the Asian Games held in Beijing, Bangkok, South Korea and Kuala Lumpur.
She has also participated in the World Masters held in Denmark and Australia and the Commonwealth Games in Australia, along with open championships in Belgium, Kuala Lumpur and England.
She is an achiever in all fronts with a limitless capacity to excel in whatever she is engaged in. She also runs ‘Mathru Foundation’, a home for disabled children from rural India, in Bangalore.
Awards and Accomplishments
Awards and Accomplishments
Malathi Holla has won 389 golds, 27 silvers and 5 bronzes at national and international events, most of them on a rented wheelchair. At 56, she is still the fastest female Indian athlete on a wheelchair.
She is also the first disabled person to receive the prestigious ‘Padma Shri award’ in 2001 and is also an ‘Arjuna Awardee’.
She has also received the ‘KK Birla Award’ and ‘Eklavya Award’ from the Karnataka Government in 1995.
She was named ‘Woman of the Year-1999’ by American Biographical Institute, USA.
Why Dr Malathi Holla ?
With soul-stirring stories, Malathi has inspired many to take action and encouraged them to break the mold. During her talks, she discusses problems faced by the disabled and actively focuses her efforts towards empowering them. She is a great motivational speaker and keynote speaker when it comes to subjects like winning despite disability-related limitations, perseverance, power of focus and inspiring others with her journey.
