Mariyappan Thangavelu (L) celebrates with compatriot and bronze medal winner Bhati Varun Singh and silver medalist Sam Grewe of the United States after the T-42 high jump event in Rio REUTERS/Ricardo MoraesTamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa announced an award of Rs 2 crore for Mariyappan Thangavelu, who won the gold medal in T-42 high-jump at the Rio Paralympics.
“By leaping over a height of 1.89 metres, you have leapt into history and done both the Nation and the State of Tamil Nadu proud. Your achievement, overcoming several obstacles and hurdles, will inspire more and more children and youth to overcome adversities and to participate and strive for greater achievements,” the chief minister said in a statement.
Puratchi Thalaivi Amma announces 2 crores prize money for Mariyappan Thangavelu #Paralympics pic.twitter.com/EQwJAEx68Y
— AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) September 10, 2016
Apart from Thangavelu, Varun Singh Bhati also got India a medal – a bronze in the T-42 high jump. Bhati registered a best mark of 1.86 m. The silver medal went to Sam Grewe of the United States.
Congratulatory messages poured in from all corners of the country with Prime Minister Narendra Modi praising the duo for their achievements at the Rio Paralympics. “India is elated! Congratulations to Mariyappan Thangavelu on winning a gold & Varun Singh Bhati for the bronze at the #Paralympics,” PM Modi tweeted for the duo.
Under the Sports Ministry’s Cash Award Scheme, Mariyappan will get Rs 75 lakh and Bhati will be presented Rs 30 lakh for their feat. The prize money is at par with the medal winners from last month’s Olympic Games as was announced by the Ministry before the Games.
(With inputs from PTI)
