Thengavelu Mariyappan is the star of the moment. He might not be celebrated as much as PV Sindhu but his achievement is no less greater than hers. Mariyappan’s smile after winning his gold medal was priceless. It reflected a lot more than just a winning emotion. This lead us to search more about him and this is what we found out.
Mariyappan Thangavelu was born in the Periavadamgatti village in Karnataka. His mother sells vegetable for a living. She had taken a loan of Rs. 3 lacs for his medical treatment.
Born in a small village in Karnataka
At five years of age, Mariyappan lost his right leg as it came under the wheels.
Met an accident at 5 and lost his leg
At 18, he was then spotted by coach Satyanarayana at the National Para-Athletics Championship. In 2015, he became the number 1 in 2015.
Became number 1 in 2015
He clinched gold medal in Paralympics 2016 for India, which is also India’s first gold medal at the event in 8 years.
Got gold for India in 2016 Paralympics
The gold medal won by Mariyappan is only the third gold won by India in the history of Paralympic games.
Only third Indian to win gold medal for India in Paralympics
