Who Is Mariyappan Thangavelu? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on June 28, 1995, Mariyappan Thangavelu is currently 29 years old. Hailing from the town of Periavadagampatti in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu, India, he has made a significant mark in the field of sports, particularly as a Paralympic athlete. Mariyappan lost the use of one of his legs in an accident during childhood, but he turned this adversity into motivation to become a high jumper. He made history at the 2016 Rio Paralympics by winning a gold medal, and since then, he has become an inspiring figure for many.
| Occupation | High Jumper |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 28, 1995 |
| Age | 30 Years |
| Birth Place | Periavadagampatti, Salem district, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | India |
Popularity
Mariyappan Thangavelu's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Mariyappan stands tall at around 6 feet (183 cm), which has been advantageous in his high-jumping career. His weight is approximately 60 kg (132 lbs), with his athletic build being essential for his dynamic performance. His body measurements reflect a healthy, well-maintained physique, allowing him to compete at the highest levels.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Though Mariyappan has been quite private about his personal life, it has been reported that he is currently single in 2025. He focuses on his career and often credits his family for their unwavering support during his journey as a Paralympic athlete. His mother has been particularly instrumental in encouraging him, and she's often seen cheering him on during competitions.
His father reportedly abandoned the family early on and his mother, Saroja, raised her children as a single mother, carrying bricks as a labourer until becoming a vegetable seller, earning inr 100 a day. At the age of five, Mariyappan suffered permanent disability in his right leg when he was run over by a drunk bus driver while walking to school.
The bus crushed his leg below the knee, causing it to become stunted. Despite this setback, he completed secondary schooling. He says that he didn't see himself as different from able-bodied kids.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Mariyappan Thangavelu's net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. His earnings primarily come from various sponsorships, endorsements, and a salary from his athletic endeavors. After his success at the Rio Paralympics, numerous brands sought to partner with him, significantly boosting his income.
Career, Business and Investments
Mariyappan's career skyrocketed after winning gold at the Rio 2016 Paralympics. He participated in various national and international competitions, often bringing home medals and recognition. In addition to his athletic career, he has invested in a few local businesses, focusing on sports coaching and training for aspiring athletes. His philanthropic work includes providing coaching to children from underprivileged backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of sports and physical fitness.
In August 2021, he won the silver medal in men's T-63 high jump event at the 2020 Summer Paralympics, which was the second medal in his Paralympic career.
Social Network
Mariyappan Thangavelu is quite active on social media platforms. He regularly updates his followers about his training sessions, competitions, and motivational thoughts. With thousands of followers on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, he uses social media as a medium to inspire others and share his journey as a Paralympic athlete.
In October 2018, he was named as the flag bearer for the 2018 Asian Para Games held in Jakarta that month. On 7 December, he was offered a Group A post as a coach with the Sports Authority of India.
Education
He pursued his education at the Government College of Physical Education in Chennai, where he specialized in physical education and sports. He managed to balance his academics with his athletic career, showcasing his determination and commitment to excellence both in sports and education.
Mariyappan enjoyed playing volleyball as a student; subsequently, his school physical education instructor encouraged him to try high jumping. In his first competitive event, aged 14, he placed second among a field of able-bodied competitors, after which he received strong encouragement from his classmates and others in Salem district.
In 2013, his current coach Satyanarayana, supported by the Sports Academy of India for the Differently-Abled, first noticed his performance at the Indian national para-athletics championships, and formally took him on as a student in 2015, bringing him to Bengaluru for further coaching.
