Mariyappan continues to inspire para-athletes

The participants have been enthused by the success of T Mariyappan in the 2016 Summer Paralympic games, when he bagged a gold for high jump. He will also be one of the participant in the national event. 

From Tamil Nadu as many as 47 differently-abled persons, who were selected after a many levels of screening, will be participating. Out of nearly 400-odd athletes, 10 female and 37 male athletes were chosen. 

The Chairman and Founder of Tamil Nadu Para sports Association, MS Nagarajan said, “The athletes who arrived from remote villages in Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai and parts of Vellore for the State-level competition in Karaikudi were inspired by Mariyappan. We even have a participant from Mariyappan’s village in Periavadagampatti, Salem for shot-put category. Now they believe they can achieve something and have the potential for it. There are two women wheel-chair women athletes who belong to a home in Anna Nagar”. 

Tamil Nadu Para Sports Association President D Dilip Raj said, “The large contingent will be taking part in 21 categories. The Association will take care of their kits, travel and other needs through sponsors. We held the State level competitions at Karaikudi where nearly 400 persons participated. This was followed by selection trials at the YMCA ground in Chennai where 150 were chosen. Later, a 47-member team was selected. The team has been practising in two camps at Madurai and Chennai from March 22.” 

“Top Indian wheel-chair racer G Vijayasarathy will be using a specially crafted wheelchair and racing in the 100 and 200 m race. Last year, he bagged the silver medal, and lost the gold medal by just a few micro seconds. Sivakami, who is visually impaired is competing in the short-put and discus throw categories”, he informed.