Thulasimathi Murugesan and her family were overcome with emotion as she received the prestigious Arjuna award from the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan. As a Paralympic silver medalist in badminton, Thulasimathi made her proud parents, Murugesan and Viji, teary-eyed while walking down the Ganatantra Mandap in her special maroon blazer. For this family of four, who once lived in a straw hut, being invited to the President’s residence remains an unforgettable moment.
Murugesan, a former daily wage laborer turned coach, is fondly called the “Dangal father” by his daughters, Thulasimathi and her sister Kiruttigha. The father’s hard work, including his decision to save for their daughters’ education and training rather than buying gold for their marriages, paid off as both daughters excelled in sports. Kiruttigha, a former national school games squash champion, expressed gratitude for their father’s support, even as relatives criticized his choices.
Thulasimathi fondly recalled how, despite limited resources, she and her sister first started playing badminton with rackets that came with a nutritional drink. Her father’s dedication and belief in their dreams led them to success, and today, their family is celebrated for its sacrifices.
Navdeep Singh, a Paralympic gold medalist in javelin from the Paris Games, also experienced a touching moment at the ceremony. He fulfilled his late father’s dream, who had taken out a loan to buy Navdeep his first javelin. Navdeep’s brother, Mandeep, and mother, Mukesh Rani, joined him in celebrating this special day in Delhi.
Preethi Pal, a double bronze winner at the Paralympics, was accompanied by her grandfather, Rishi Pal. He shared how proud he was of his granddaughter, despite his humble background as a PWD road work supervisor. His trip to Delhi to witness her success was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Vantika Agarwal, a chess Olympiad gold medalist, was joined by her parents, Ashish and Sangeeta. Sangeeta sacrificed her career to travel with Vantika to tournaments, providing her with the moral support and stability needed for success. Vantika expressed her deep appreciation for her mother’s unwavering presence.
Paris Olympics bronze-winning shooter Swapnil Kusale was honored with the Arjuna award alongside his coach Deepali Deshpande, who received the Dronacharya award. This marked a special day for both coach and trainee.
Athletes Deepak Hooda, a former kabaddi captain, and boxer Saweety Boora, both received Arjuna awards. Deepak, who won his in 2020, was especially emotional as he saw his wife, Saweety, receive hers in the same ceremony.
This year’s Arjuna award ceremony highlighted the dedication, sacrifices, and triumphs of athletes and their families, showcasing the deep emotional bonds behind the success stories.
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