10 Facts About Mariyappan Thangavelu

Mariyappan Thangavelu was born on 28 June 1995 and is an Indian Paralympic high jumper.

Mariyappan Thangavelu is a triple Paralympics medalist having won the gold medal at 2016 Rio, the silver medal at 2020 Tokyo and the bronze medal at 2024 Paris.

Mariyappan Thangavelu has been a double medalist at the World Championships with one gold and one bronze.

Mariyappan Thangavelu was awarded with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna in 2020.

At the age of five, Mariyappan Thangavelu suffered permanent disability in his right leg when he was run over by a drunk bus driver while walking to school.

Mariyappan Thangavelu says that he didn't see himself as different from able-bodied kids.

Mariyappan Thangavelu enjoyed playing volleyball as a student; subsequently, his school physical education instructor encouraged him to try high jumping.

Mariyappan Thangavelu said he had requested help from the Tamil Nadu government, but had not received a reply.

Mariyappan Thangavelu was beaten up by Mariappan and his friends Sabari and Yuvaraj.

Mariyappan Thangavelu lodged a complaint with local police on the death of her son and sought protection.