Indian Mariyappan Thangavelu wins gold at IWAS World Junior Games 2015

The Indian delegation at the 11th IWAS World Junior Games 2015. Image credit: Support Paralympic Athletes of India

Indian high jumper Mariyappan Thangavelu has claimed gold at IWAS World Junior Games 2015 in the men’s F44 event.  The Tamil Nadu local cleared the bar set at 1.77 metres on his way to first.

A statement by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) said, “PCI expects all support from the state government of Tamil Nadu and central government to see that he brings laurels to the state and country. PCI wishes all the best for his future.”

Disability sport in India has taken a large step backwards following the suspension of the Paralympic Committee of India by the International Paralympic Committee and the Indian government earlier in the year. Since then, Sports Authority of India has effectively taken over the role of the PCI. At the present time, the IPC has said that Indian athletes cannot compete in IPC sanctioned events under their own flag.