The city of Madurai is celebrating an extraordinary sporting achievement as five local para athletes returned triumphant from the World AbilitySports Games 2025 held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. Their remarkable success story underscores the transformative power of para sports in building confidence and creating opportunities for people with disabilities.
Medal Haul from Thailand
The Madurai contingent delivered outstanding performances across multiple track and field events, bringing home an impressive collection of medals. The athletes competed in 100m, discus throw, shot put, and javelin events, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination on the global stage.
Among the standout performers was Chellappa Muniyasamy, who struck gold in one event and silver in javelin. What makes his achievement particularly remarkable is that he balances his rigorous training schedule with his professional responsibilities at the income tax department. "I was earlier a sitting volleyball player, but I shifted to individual events five years ago," shared the accomplished athlete.
S Prasanth, living with cerebral palsy, secured two bronze medals in shot put and discus throw. He recalled how his journey in para sports began with a teacher's encouragement during his seventh-grade years. "Seeing others like me in sports inspires me. I hope more people take it up," Prasanth expressed, highlighting the importance of representation in sports.
The Coaching Vision Behind the Success
Behind these stellar performances stands coach Ranjith Kumar, whose belief in para sports as a transformative force has shaped numerous careers. "Para sports can be a transformative source of confidence and motivation for people with disabilities," asserts Kumar, whose philosophy has been validated by his proteges' international success.
Ranjith emphasized the comprehensive benefits of para sports, noting their profound impact on both physical and mental health. The sports help athletes overcome low confidence and break through social barriers that often limit people with disabilities. His inclusive approach ensures that economic background never becomes an obstacle to participation.
"We don't turn anyone away, even those from economically weaker families. We identify their strengths and train them," Ranjith stated. He also pointed to the growing opportunities in employment and higher education through sports achievements as significant motivators for wider participation.
Madurai's Growing Para Sports Ecosystem
The success in Thailand represents more than individual achievements—it signals the emergence of Madurai as a hub for para sports development. Ranjith Kumar currently trains over 100 para athletes in the city, creating a robust pipeline of talent for future competitions.
Infrastructure development has played a crucial role in this growth story. The coach acknowledged that previous challenges have eased significantly with the establishment of a dedicated SDAT para sports facility. This specialized infrastructure has provided athletes with the proper training environment necessary for international-level competition.
The global event saw participation from athletes representing 38 countries, with the Tamil Nadu contingent comprising 27 athletes nominated by the Tamil Nadu Paralympic Sports Association with support from SDAT. This substantial representation underscores the state's commitment to para sports development.
Other medal winners from Madurai include:
- K J Antony (Sonai) - gold in javelin and silver in discus
- Manoj - gold in javelin, silver in shot put and bronze in discus
- Ganesan - silver in the 100m event
As Madurai emerges as a model district for para sports development, Coach Ranjith's call for greater community participation resonates strongly. The success of these five athletes serves as powerful inspiration for others with disabilities to explore sporting opportunities, potentially transforming their lives while bringing glory to their communities and country.
