Following Paralympian athlete T Mariyappan’s spectacular performance at the Rio Paralympics in Brazil, which fetched him the gold medal at the High Jump event, TN CM Jayalalithaa has announced a cash reward of Rs. 2 crore for the athlete.
“By leaping over a height of 1.89 metres, you have leapt into history and done both the Nation and the State of Tamil Nadu proud. Your achievement, overcoming several obstacles and hurdles, will inspire more and more children and youth to overcome adversities and to participate and strive for greater achievements,” Jayalalithaa said in a statement.
She also said that he will “stand forth as a beacon of hope for all those striving to achieve success in their chosen fields overcoming all odds”.
India's Mariyappan created history on Friday night by winning the gold medal in the men's high jump T-42 event.
His compatriot Varun Singh Bhati clinched the bronze medal in the same event.
While Mariyappan made a leap of 1.89 metres, Bhati jumped his personal best of 1.86 metres to finish third.
India's other medal prospect Sharad Kumar finished at number six.
US's Sam Grewe bagged the silver medal.
Here is the full text of Jayalaithaa’s letter:
“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. By leaping over a height of 1.89 metres, you have leapt into history and done both the Nation and the State of Tamil Nadu proud. Your achievement, overcoming several obstacles and hurdles, will inspire more and more children and youth to overcome adversities and to participate and strive for greater achievements. Kindly accept my heartiest congratulations on behalf of the people of Tamil Nadu on your splendid achievement.
I am very happy to inform you that I have decided that the Government of Tamil Nadu will award you a cash prize of Rs.2 crores on par with Olympic Gold Medal winners from Tamil Nadu.
I congratulate you and all those who have contributed to your success. May you stand forth as a beacon of hope for all those striving to achieve success in their chosen fields overcoming all odds.”