New Delhi [India], March 22 (ANI): Ramesh Shanmugam a champion who won the gold medal in the Men's 800 meters T53/54 event at the Khelo India Para Games comes from what he calls a "small and isolated village," Mannathampatty, located in the Tiruchirappalli district of Tamil Nadu. As a para-athlete, he has long looked up to the ex-captain of the Indian national cricket team. He is particularly excited about the beginning of the forthcoming season of the Indian Premier League.
"Once MS Dhoni I will cease following cricket once I retire. Ramesh Shanmugam smiled after securing a gold medal in the Men's 800m T53/T54 event on the tournament's second day Khelo India Para Games In 2025, according to statements made in an announcement by SAI Media .
I used to be an avid cricketer in my younger days. I would sprint quickly and often acted as a wicketkeeper too. Over time, I've attended numerous cricket matches because I genuinely love watching the game, particularly when our Thala plays. MS Dhoni ," Shanmugam told SAI Media .
The 30-year-old Paralympian feels that the cricket icon has imparted numerous lessons to him, particularly about staying tranquil, collected, and regulated through challenging moments. Adhering to these same values, Shanmugam has been advancing in wheelchair racing within India.
This year, Ramesh, who holds the national record in Men's 800m T53/T54, secured two gold medals and one silver at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix. He further extended his success on Friday by winning an additional two golds in the Men's 800m T53/T54 and Men's 100m T53/T54 events. KIPG 2025 to keep climbing.
I sense that I'm on the right path in my professional journey now. Over the last several years, both the Sports Authority of India and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs have excelled in supporting para-athletes. KIPG , all our basic needs are taken care off. We are getting fantastic accommodation, the best mode of travel and food options," he said.
Shanmugam came from a farming background and at the age of eight, he lost both his legs due to a truck accident. Adjusting to life in a wheelchair posed significant challenges, particularly since his family had modest finances. However, assistance from regional officials and the government enabled him to pursue further studies despite these obstacles.
“I’ve encountered numerous challenges throughout my life. I felt an urge to accomplish something significant. Days pass by without much change. Yet, I am driven by the ambition to establish my identity. It’s essential for me to demonstrate my capabilities. Each day, I push myself to attain my objectives. I won’t quit,” he stated.
Shanmugam continued his education with a B.Sc. in Biochemistry at a college in Trichy, where he became interested in parasports. He immersed himself in wheelchair basketball and eventually represented the national team in eight international competitions. However, due to limited support for his chosen sport, he switched to para-athletics about two years ago. Leveraging the significant speed acquired through his time playing wheelchair basketball, he quickly adjusted to the new discipline and began advancing rapidly within it.
"Athletes tend to be more energized. Being in a wheelchair race constantly keeps you moving, which always leaves you pumped up. This is exactly what I needed," he explained.
The athlete hailing from Tamil Nadu got tremendous backing from his family, and he feels immense happiness knowing they are proud of him. His spouse, employed at a private company, has consistently stood as a source of resilience for the Para-athlete.
"Currently, my parents are quite delighted. In the year 2023, Khelo India Para Games I previously secured a bronze medal. Now, I have won two gold medals instead. Their joy over my progress is evident. My family has consistently been my biggest fans, including my spouse. I couldn’t have achieved even one medal without their support,” he stated.
"He allows me to achieve my aspirations. My goal is to get chosen for the Paralympics and secure a gold medal to bring pride to my country," he concluded. (ANI)
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