Mariyappan Thangavelu along with his Paris Paralympics bronze medal.
| Picture Credit score: Reuters
Triple Paralympic medallist excessive jumper Mariyappan Thangavelu hopes to carry out in addition to he has accomplished prior to now when he attaches a blade to his proper leg within the coming weeks.
The 29-year-old, who received bronze medal on the Paris Paralympics, is planning to endure surgical procedure, probably in Bengaluru, within the coming weeks to be prepared for the World Para Championships scheduled in New Delhi from September 26 to October 5.
Because of the impending surgical procedure, Mariyappan will not be collaborating within the ongoing Nationwide Para Athletics Championships right here and also will miss the World Para Athletics Grand Prix from March 11 to 13 in New Delhi.
“I’m assured that the Nationwide Para Athletics Championships will assist athletes from Tamil Nadu, particularly these from the villages. I additionally consider that the blade will enhance my leap,” mentioned Mariyappan on Tuesday.
His coach, Sathyanarayana, mentioned that with the blade, his ward will transfer from class T42 to T64 (blade inserted under the knee). He emphasised that utilizing a blade is a shift in technique and is assured that it’s going to assist Mariyappan win gold on the Worlds.
“I’ve been advising him to make use of a blade since 2017, however solely now has he turn out to be satisfied. At present, there are solely two excessive jumpers with blades, and each are from the USA,” mentioned Sathyanarayana, who’s the pinnacle coach of the Nationwide Para staff.
“Mariyappan has explosive energy in his leg, and with a blade, he can obtain much more. Since he might be over 30 on the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics, this transfer will profit him,” added Sathyanarayana.
Revealed – February 18, 2025 06:06 pm IST