Triumph of India’s Paralympics athletes in Rio!
The Paralympics held in Rio have given the world some awe inspiring sights. Physically challenged individuals put some inspirational performances making us wonder where do they get the drive to achieve what able bodied individuals will find difficult to accomplish. Let us looks at some of these inspirational individuals from India and around the world who performed brilliantly, inspiring the people around the world.
Devendra Jhajharia
Devendra Jhajharia often referred to as the ‘father of para-athletics in India’, is now the world record holder for Javelin Throw. He was only 8 years old when climbed up a tree and accidentally kept his left hand on a 11,000-volt strong electric cable. He was immediately rushed to the hospital where they amputated his left hand completely. Despite such a setback, he went on to do great things in life and has managed the greatest feat any Indian athlete has ever managed in Olympics or Paralympics. Not only has the 35-year old won gold, but he’s done it by setting a new World record. He broke his own world record of 62.21m which he had set in Athens 2004. A throw which sailed 63.97 m across the Maracana stadium today has officially made him the nation’s most successful athlete.
Mariyappan Thangavelu
Mariyappan Thangavelu clinched the gold medal in the men’s T42 high jump finals in Rio de Janeiro by cruising over the 1.89-meter mark. He was the World Number 1 in 2015, his first year of senior-level competition. Born in the Periavadamgatti village, 50 km away from Salem, his mother sells vegetable for a living. When he was five, his right knee was crushed under wheels while on his way to school. That left him with a permanent disability. A few years back, she took a loan of Rs. 3 lacs for his medical treatment which has not been repaid till date. Despite all the hardships life has thrown, today in Rio, the 21-year old high jumper became the first medalist of India in this edition of the Paralympic Games.
