Mariyappan Thangavelu is a Paralympian who partakes in high jump from India and is part of the 54 member Indian contingent at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020
Since 2004, Thangavelu is the only one from India to bag a medal in the finals of the Paralympic Games. 26-year-old Mariyappan Thangavelu is a high jumper who hails from Tamil Nadu and participates in the high jump T-42 category.
Mariyappan Thangavelu Biography, Life Story, Family
Mariyappanโs father reportedly abandoned his family when Mariyappan was quite young. The entire family was raised by his mother, Saroja. Saroja worked as a laborer on construction sites at daily wages when Mariyappan was a child.
Mariyappan Thangavelu Disability
When Thangavelu was five while he was on his way to his school, a bus driver ran over him. The bus driver was drunk and this incident made Mariyappan suffer from a permanent leg disability. His left leg below his knee got completely crushed.
Thangavelu never let his disability overcome his dreams. He always wanted to excel in sports and she did so at an early age.
Paralympian Mariyappan Thangavelu High Jump Career And Coach
Mariyappan was a volleyball enthusiast when he was a child but later on, he got encouragement to take up the high jump. His sports coach advised him to take up high jumping and Thangavelu competed in the first high jump competition when he was 14.
Mariyappan is coached by Mr.Satyanarayana and he has been with Mariyappan since 2013. In 2015 on his coachโs advice he decided to move to Bengaluru for the betterment of his high jump skills.
Mariyappan Thangavelu Achievements And Awards
In 2017, Thangavelu was honored with Padma Shri Award for his achievements in the Paralympic world. In the same year, he received the Arjuna award and a cash reward as well. Apart from these awards, Mariyappan has received a number of cash rewards for his excellent performance.
Mariyappan Thangavelu Instagram
Mariyappan Thangavelu At Tokyo Paralympics
On the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games, Tokyo that has taken place on August 24th Mariyappan ended up missing the event after coming in close contact with a COVID case due to which he had to be in quarantine. He has also been an active participant at the Rio Paralympics, 2016.
Mariyappan Thangavelu Net Worth
Mariyappan’s net worth is not yet disclosed by him but he has received cash rewards worth more than Rs.3 crore.ย
Also Read:ย The Top 10 Oldest Medal Winners At The Tokyo Olympics 2020