Mariyappan Thangavelu: Son of daily wage labourer who became first Indian to medal at three consecutive Paralympics

Mariyappan Thangavelu scripted history late Tuesday night as he became the first Indian para-athlete to win medals at three consecutive Paralympics. The Rio 2016 gold medallist and Tokyo 2020 silver medal winner, clinched his third Paralympics medal - a bronze in the men’s high jump T63 class at the Paris 2024 Paralympics on Tuesday. In the same event, India's Sharad Kumar won the silver medal.

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The T63 class is for athletes who have limb deficiencies such as amputations or missing or shortened limbs from birth in their legs.

Sharad Kumar won silver with a jump of 1.88m in the final, while USA’s Ezra Frech took gold after a jump of 1.94m - a new Paralympic record. Mariyappan won the bronze medal with a height of 1.85m.

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He had won gold at Rio 2016 Paralympic Games with a jump of 1.89m and silver at Tokyo 2020 with 1.86m.

Who is Mariyappan Thangavelu?

Mariyappan was born into a poor family in Periavadagampatti village, Salem, Tamil Nadu, as one of six children. His father left when he was young, and his mother supported the family by working as a bricklayer and vegetable vendor, earning just Rs. 100 a day. Despite this, she prioritized her children's education.

At age of five, Mariyappan's life changed when a drunk bus driver ran over him, crushing his right leg below the knee. This left him with a permanent disability, and he used a wooden leg to walk. Despite the pain and hardship, he did not let his disability define him. He continued his studies and graduated from high school.

Mariyappan had a passion for sports since childhood. His teacher noticed his talent and encouraged him to try high jump. He soon discovered that he had a natural ability for the sport and started competing in local events. He won many medals, trophies and caught the attention of Mr. Satyanarayana, a renowned coach for para-athletes. In 2015, Mr. Satyanarayana invited Mariyappan to join his training camp in Bengaluru. Under his mentorship, Mariyappan became the first Indian to win a Paralympic gold medal in the high jump.

He is currently employed at Sports Authority of India as a Senior Coach. In recognition of his contributions to sports, Mariyappan received the Padma Shri and Arjuna Award in 2017 and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna in 2020.

Mariyappan Thangavelu key details

Date of Birth: July 28, 1995

Home location: Salem, Tamil Nadu

Training Base: SAI Bangalore and Chula Vista, USA

Disability Class: T63 (Lower limb/s competing with prosthesis affected by limb deficiency and leg length difference)

Achievements

Key government intervention