The two Indian para-athletes, who jumped up high at Rio and took the country’s name with them, are indeed very down to earth. The 21-year-old Gold medallist, Mariyappan Thangavelu and Bronze medallist, Varun Singh Bhati stand, as inspiration to millions. The high-jump champions, who were in Hyderabad on Saturday, have similar interests, habits and goals. They’re playful and often joke with each other. “We can only communicate in broken English since we can’t speak each other’s languages, but we’re thick as brothers,” says Varun.
As cash rewards poured in after the Olympic and Paralympic wins, it gave rise to the question as to why the funds weren’t pumped in for the making of the champions instead. To this, Varun says, “It is a misconception. In fact, para-athletes were in the top scheme this time. I can’t speak for other sports, but the athletes were given good amount of funds to train at the best facilities and have adequate diet. Last time, India won only one medal but this time, we won four because of the efforts that were put in by the Sports Authority of India.”
Satyanarayana, coach of Mariyappan and Varun, reveals that they have received multiple offers for a biopic on the lives of the champions, but have not signed anything yet. Giving an insight into the secret of their success, Varun, who was affected by poliomyelitis when he was six months old says, “I feed on my will power. Food is only secondary. After Mariyappan, I am my own inspiration.”
Mariyappan, who lost his leg at the age of five when a bus ran him over, is a man of few words. He says, “I’d have been equally happy if it was Varun who won the Gold because the medal would come to the same family.” He says that even if he had two healthy legs, he would still be pursuing the sport.
