The Tokyo Olympics 2020 saw India winning an Athletics gold for the first time but before this, there were Paralympic athletes who won the gold medal in previous editions of the games.
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When Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal in the javelin throw in Tokyo Olympics 2020, India celebrated brilliantly. The discourse was that India had won athletics gold for the first time in history. Neeraj Chopra was hailed as the ultimate hero who would bring about the revolution in athletics in India. While no one is begrudging or taking away the accolade from Neeraj Chopra, the problem of India’s media and of society is of the selective knowledge that they exhibit in these situations.
Before Neeraj Chopra, there have been four gold medalists in the Olympics. Yes, you read that right! From 1972 onwards till 2016, India has won four gold medals in the javelin, high jump, shot put, and swimming. India’s performance in the Paralympic Games has been sensational as compared to the normal games. India may have secured seven medals and achieved their best finish in the history of the Olympics. But, when it comes to the Paralympics, our Indian athletes have created history.
In the history of India’s Olympic campaign, there have been only two individual gold medal winners. But, in the Paralympics, there have been four individual gold medal winners. In 1972, Murlikant Petkar secured India’s first individual gold in the 50m freestyle swimming event. It would be 32 years before Devendra Jhajhariya would win gold in the javelin event. History would be repeated and Jhajhariya would win his second gold in 2016 Rio. Mariyappan Thangavelu would secure the gold medal in the High Jump.
In all of this, the Paralympians have outshone the normal athletes. In every single instance, their records and achievements are only visible once possibly in four years. The achievements happen only if they win. If they do not win, their struggles are not highlighted. In every single instance, be it athletics, swimming or shot put, India’s Paralympians have always made the country proud. They have been the original creators of history. Yet, they have always remained in the sidelines.
Mariyappan Thangavelu had to endure tremendous hardships as a child. His father abandoned him and his mother had to take full responsibility. She worked as a laborer in a brick kiln and she also became a vegetable seller. Tragedy struck Thangavelu when he was run over by a drunk bus driver. His right leg was permanently damaged. The bone below the knee was crushed and that is why his leg became stunted. Despite the setback, Thangavelu was determined to make a mark in sports. Thangavelu made a mark in high jump despite being interested in volleyball. But, it is his exploits that have made him a household name in Tamil Nadu.
Devendra Jhajhariya, on the other hand, also suffered a setback in his childhood. His left hand was amputated after touching a live electric cable. But, the young boy from Churu was determined to create history. He won the gold medal in the Javelin throw in the 2004 Athens, 17 years before Neeraj Chopra.
There is support for all the Paralympians in the modern era, whether it be from the Sports Authority of India or from other organizations like GoSports Foundation. There is increased support from stakeholders. But, the exposure that is required and the coverage that is needed is not there from many institutions.
Just recently, Deepa Malik won the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award, making her the first Para athlete to win such a high honor. The change in sporting mindset is happening at a decent pace in India. But, the prevailing mindset is that other sports get attention only once in four years. Only when someone wins, the coverage and discussion reach a fever pitch. When there is no win or medal, the discussion once again revolves around the lack of a system in place. All institutions are criticized. With the prevailing environment of hate, many athletes have to find the mindset and forge their own path.
The Para athletes have faced plenty of apathy and lack of recognition for decades. But, with the sporting culture now changing, one hopes that Tokyo Olympics 2020 ushers in a new era of awareness. Our para-athletes have been trendsetters. They deserve increased respect. This could be the start.
