TIRUCHY: In the quiet village of Nagalapuram in Thuraiyur, nestled away from the bustling cities, a remarkable story unfolds—a tale of resilience and triumph against the odds. Manikandan, a 22-year-old deaf youth, stands defiant in adversity. The fact that he was born into an agricultural family, has transformed what many would deem crippling limitations into the very essence of his strength. With a heart full of dreams and an indomitable spirit, he has risen above the confines of his circumstances, amassing around 150 medals and prizes, including glimmering bronzes and silvers at the prestigious Deaflympics. His journey is fraught with challenges that would send most retreating, but not Manikandan.
Manikandan was drawn to athletics from a young age, particularly running and long jump. Though his village lacked the facilities to nurture his passion, he refused to let that hold him back. He turned his town’s open fields and unpaved roads into his training tracks. His dedication to improving his skills and his love for sports drove him to practise relentlessly, showing his commitment to achieving his goals.
Manikandan’s life transformed after he entered Jamal Mohammed College to pursue a BA in History. Staying in a hostel gave him access to better facilities. He began training at Anna Stadium, which became his second home. Every morning, he got up at 5 am and reached the tracks at 5.30 am to practise until 8.30 am. After attending college classes, he returned to the stadium for a second practice round, training until the evening. His commitment to his sport was unwavering, and this demanding schedule began to pay off.
At first, Manikandan competed in general athletic competitions alongside non-disabled athletes. His persistence paid off as he won many competitions at the local and state levels. These early wins boosted his confidence and inspired him to pursue more challenging competitions.
After this, Manikandan moved on to compete at the Deaflympics, focusing on competitions specifically for athletes with hearing impairments. He participated in various races and long jump events, steadily gaining success at the local and state levels. These victories were just the beginning. Over the years, he won over 150 medals and prizes, such as bronze and silver in various countries such as Poland, Brazil, China, and Malaysia. His most notable triumph came in December 2024 at the Asian Deaflympics in Malaysia, where he earned a bronze in the long jump and a silver in the relay competitions. Among these, his silver and bronze medals at the Deaflympics stand out as some of his most significant achievements. These victories showed the world his potential and proved that his dedication and hard work had paid off.
What makes Manikandan’s journey even more remarkable is the support he received from his mother and sisters. Speaking to TNIE, Manikandan said, “I may be deaf and mute, but my heart hears the call of the track and field. I faced many difficulties, but never let them stop me. I knew that nothing could hold me back if I work hard enough. My determination is louder than any obstacle. My goal is to compete in the Olympics, and I will keep pushing forward until I get there. Every medal I win is a step toward my goal.”
He added, “Success is not about winning, but it is about never giving up no matter how tough the circumstances. Now that I have finished my education, staying in the hostel and practising are difficult due to my family’s situation. I often worry about how I will manage without the resources I had before. However, I never gave up on my goal. I will continue to practise with whatever I have, wherever I can.”
He further said that the challenges are tough, but I remind myself that nothing worth achieving comes easy. I refuse to let my circumstances define me, and I will keep pushing myself forward, believing that hard work and perseverance will bring me closer to my dream.
His mother, K Selvi, who supported him throughout, said, “We never saw his disability. We only saw his strength and his dreams. We knew he could do anything if he set his heart to it. We may be unable to help him financially, but we support him emotionally. It is difficult for us, too, but we want him to stay strong and focused on his goal. We know he will achieve his dreams with perseverance.”
O Gnana Suganthi, an athletics coach, told TNIE, “I first identified Manikandan’s talent at a school sports event in his village. Seeing his potential, I brought him to Tiruchy town for proper training. He quickly grasped the techniques, followed instructions with a sharp focus, and demonstrated exceptional strength and determination. His natural athleticism, discipline, and unique skills set him apart. Because of his relentless hard work, he has won numerous prizes and awards. I strongly believe that with continued dedication, he has the potential to shine at the Olympics, fulfilling his dream and bringing pride to our country.”
(Edited by Ashyl Paul)