Rio Paralympics gold medallist Mariyappan Thangavelu to donate Rs 30 lakh from prize money

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.