Chennai: Awards and accolades poured in for Tamil athlete T. Mariappan moments after he won gold medal in the high jump event in the Paralympics being held at Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
Social media showered praises on the feat of 22-year-old Salem lad.
Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa congratulated the athlete and awarded a cash prize of Rs 2 crore.
President Pranab Mukherjee who was in Chennai and TN governor C.H. Vidyasagar Rao also congratulated “. “I was delighted to learn that you have won a gold medal in the Paralympics currently being held in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. I understand that this is the first time an Indian has won a gold medal in the high jump event in the Paralympics,” Jayalalithaa said in a statement.
Vidyasagar Rao in his congratulatory message said, “It is a matter of pride that you are the first Indian high jumper and the son of TN to win gold at the Rio Paralympic Games 2016. You have proved that nothing is impossible and disability is not hindrance to achievement. I am sure your achievement will be a source of inspiration and motivation to the youth, young sportspersons and to the differently abled in particular. I wish you all success in your future endeavours,” governor said.
