VIDEO – From Alien to Arjuna: Thulasimathi Murugesan dedicates award to her father
VIDEO – From Alien to Arjuna: Thulasimathi Murugesan dedicates award to her father
Thulasimathi Murugesan was once reduced to tears as some of her schoolmates taunted her with the calls of ‘alien’ — an unsympathetic reference to her birth deformity and dark complexion. But those days of tribulations are behind her now.
The 22-year-old stands in front of the world as an Arjuna Awardee, a reward came her way after winning a silver medal in the Paris Paralympics.
Thulasimathi’s story is of relentless perseverance, fuelled by the unwavering support of her father who refused to let societal scorn dictate his daughter’s destiny.
D. Murugesan, a daily wage labourer with an unquenchable love for sports, did not let his circumstances scuttle him from encouraging his daughters –Thulasimathi and Kiruttigha — from pursuing a career in sports.
“Since day one, I was born in humble middle class family. He is the one who has taught me badminton. He was the my coach for past 13 years. there were times we couldn’t afford a racquet. I trained in nearby government stadium. There were times we couldn’t afford good shoes or next meal. There were difficult times but we didn’t give up,” Thulasimathi told PTI.
“He trained me to compete with able-bodied athletes and I became national champion for four years during my school days. I got a chance to play para badminton in 2023. I represented my country in 15 international tournaments and won 16 gold medals, 11 silver and 7 bronze medals. For the past two years, I have been training in Gopichand academy,” she added.
An accident in 2022 rendered her completely paralyzed. While driving a scooter with one hand, she lost control and suffered a severe injury, leading to a radial excision. The family was devastated.
Yet, Thulasimathi rebounded. After recovering, she traveled to 15 countries, amassing 16 gold, 11 silver, and 7 bronze medals, including a remarkable haul at the Asian Para Games.
Her silver medal performance at the Paris Paralympics in 2024 was a career-defining moment. Thulasimathi was in her veterinary medicine class in Namakkal when the Arjuna Award was announced.
“My classes usually end at 5 p.m, but I think the announcement was made around 3 p.m. I was in class, and I didn’t know about it. After my classes ended, I checked my phone and found it was flooded with congratulatory messages. I also received many calls from my friends,” she said.
The award has only strengthened her resolve to touch greater heights.
“I want to dedicate something to my father, because he has sacrificed everything to see his daughter to stand in the podium. I think this is the right time, not only the awards and medal but I want to dedicate everything that I receive in my life to my father.”
“I always trust failure is not the end, I always say winners or learners, every time I lose, I correct my mistakes. I train harder and I never think about result. It is about trusting the process and enjoying the journey. This award will motivate me to be the best version of myself.”
