CHENNAI: Mariyappan Thangavelu silver medallist in the high jump T63 category at Tokyo Paralympics, arrived at a rousing reception on Sunday morning. As the 26-year-old walked out of the airport he was greeted with rose garlands, oversized banners with his name and picture printed on it, crowd and cameras.
Mariyappan was pleased to receive such a warm welcome on his arrival. “It definitely feels very special to get so much love from everyone. If not for the rains during the event --- I would have returned with the gold this time as well (much like the Rio Paralympics). This Tokyo performance gives me motivation to go for the gold in Paris (Paralympics in 2024),” said Mariyappan.
The two-time Paralympics medallist is keen to serve the Tamil Nadu government and has put forth a request to chief minister MK Stalin. “Those who represented India at the Rio Paralympics were given government jobs in their respective states, but that didn’t happen in my case. This time I have requested our honourable CM for a Class 1 job in the state government. He has assured me of doing the needful,” said Mariyappan.
Apart from signalling his intentions to work for the state government, Mariyappan also has plans of setting up an academy in TN to develop the next generation of athletes. “This sport has given me everything in my life and it's only befitting that I give something back by producing the next set of champions. I plan to set up an academy either in Salem or Coimbatore. In the coming weeks, I will be working on how to go about it,” said Mariyappan.
Podium finishes at the Paralympics, Asian Games and World championships notwithstanding --- Mariyappan is as motivated as ever to continue his good run.
“There is still so much to achieve. We have the World championships and Asian Games which are scheduled to be held next year. I will begin my preparations for the same soon as the target is to do well in them,” he pointed out.
