After making millions proud with his historic stint at the Rio Paralympics 2016, gold medallist Mariyappan Thangavelu has now decided to ensure a better future to kids by donating an amount from his prize money to his government school.
Thangavelu, who received a cash prize of Rs 75 lakh from the Sports ministry and Rs 2 crore from the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, will give away Rs 30 lakh to the school.
This generous step by the Paralympian is despite the fact that he requires money for his own betterment, with a loan to be repaid.
Hailing from the remote area of Periavadagampatti in Tamil Nadu's Salem district, the 21-year-old was an avid sportperson from a young age.
Thangavelu created history by becoming the first Indian to clinch the gold medal in the men’s T42 High Jump event.
