Mariyappan Thangavelu
About
Mariyappan Thangavelu is a celebrated Indian Paralympic high jumper who made history by winning the gold medal at the Rio de Janeiro Games (2016), in the T-42 category with a jump of 1.89 meters, making him India's first Paralympian gold medalist since 2004. His journey began at the tender age of five when a tragic accident with a drunk bus driver left his right leg permanently disabled below the knee. Despite this life-altering setback, Mariyappan displayed remarkable resilience, completing his secondary education and never seeing himself as different from his able-bodied peers.
As a student, Mariyappan enjoyed playing volleyball, but it was his school physical education instructor who spotted his potential in high jumping. At the age of 14, Mariyappan participated in his first competitive event, securing second place among able-bodied competitors. This achievement, coupled with strong encouragement from his community, set him on the path to becoming a high jumper.
In 2013, coach Satyanarayana noticed Mariyappan's exceptional performance at the Indian national para-athletics championships. Under Satyanarayana's guidance and the support of the Sports Academy of India for the Differently-Abled, Mariyappan moved to Bengaluru in 2015 for intensive training.
Mariyappan's breakthrough came in March 2016 when he cleared a distance of 1.78 meters in the men's T-42 high jump event at the IPC Grand Prix in Tunisia, qualifying him for the 2016 Summer Paralympics. His success continued at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai, where he won a bronze medal in the men's T-63 high jump event.
In the 2020 Summer Paralympics held in Tokyo, Mariyappan added a silver medal to his accolades in the men's T-63 high jump category, solidifying his status as a top athlete in his field.
Awards and Accomplishments
Awards and Accomplishments
Throughout his career, Mariyappan has received numerous honors and awards. In 2017, he was conferred with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, and the Arjuna Award, recognizing his contributions to sports.
In 2020, he was awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting honor.
Financial rewards have also followed his achievements, with significant cash prizes from various state governments, ministries, and private entities, acknowledging his exceptional talent and perseverance.
Why Mariyappan Thangavelu ?
Despite suffering a severe disability at a young age, Mariyappan not only overcame physical challenges but also rose to become a Paralympic gold and silver medalist, inspiring millions with his achievements. His experiences provide valuable lessons on perseverance, hard work, and maintaining a positive outlook in the face of adversity, making his talks highly motivational and impactful for diverse audiences.
