Madurai: Para sports can be a transformative source of confidence and motivation for people with disabilities, says para-athletics coach Ranjith Kumar — a belief underscored by the success of five Madurai athletes who excelled at the World AbilitySports Games 2025 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.The athletes from Madurai won medals in the 100m, discus throw, shot put and javelin events. Para sports feature around 12 disciplines, with athletes classified based on their disabilities. S Prasanth, who won two bronze medals in shot put and discus throw, said many people with disabilities remain unaware of the opportunities in para sports. Living with cerebral palsy, he recalled being introduced to the sport by a teacher in Class 7. “Seeing others like me in sports inspires me. I hope more people take it up,” he said. Ranjith said para sports have a profound impact on both physical and mental health, helping athletes overcome low confidence and social barriers. “We don’t turn anyone away, even those from economically weaker families. We identify their strengths and train them,” he said, adding that growing job and college opportunities through sports should encourage wider participation. Gold medallist Chellappa Muniyasamy, who also won silver in javelin, said he balances practice with his job in the income tax department. “I was earlier a sitting volleyball player, but I shifted to individual events five years ago,” he said. Other medal winners include K J Antony (Sonai), who took gold in javelin and silver in discus; Manoj, who won gold in javelin, silver in shot put and bronze in discus; and Ganesan, who secured silver in the 100m. The global event saw athletes from 38 countries compete, with 27 from Tamil Nadu nominated by the Tamil Nadu Paralympic Sports Association with SDAT support. Ranjith now trains over 100 para athletes in Madurai. He said infrastructure challenges have eased with the establishment of a dedicated SDAT para sports facility, noting that Madurai is emerging as a model for other districts and urging greater community participation. MSID:: 125674533 413 |
