Govt Backed Athletes Should Set Up Their Own Academies: Vijay Goel

Mariyappan Thangavelu donated Rs 30 lakh from his prize money towards his government school in Tamil Nadu.

India’s Mariyappan Thangavelu jumps to win the gold in the men’s final high jump T42 event at Olympic Stadium during the Paralympic Games. (Photo: AP)

Touched by Paralympian Mariyappan Thangavelu’s gesture to donate Rs 30 lakh from his prize money to his school, Sports Minister, Vijay Goel, on Monday said that all athletes backed by the government should try to set up academies or centres of their own to inspire the youth.

Mariyappan, who scripted history at Rio Paralympics after winning a gold medal in high jump, donated Rs 30 lakhs from his prize money of Rs 2 crores towards his government school in Tamil Nadu.

It’s a great thing, a great step taken by Mariyappan, this will inspire others. I think all athletes who are helped by the government can try to set up academies or sports centres of their own. This will definitely inspire one and all. 

Vijay Goel, Sports Minister, India 

Mariyappan Thangavelu holding the gold medal at Rio Paralympics. (Photo: Twitter)

Mariyappan hails from Periyavadagampatti, a village located 50 km from Salem in the western part of Tamil Nadu.

(With inputs from PTI)