“Will stop watching cricket once Dhoni retires,” says Paraolympic gold medallist Ramesh Shanmugan

Hailing from what he describes as a “tiny and remote village” Mannathampatty in Tiruchirappalli district of Tamil Nadu, Ramesh has idolised the former Indian cricket team captain for many years, and is eager for the start of the upcoming season of Indian Premier League.

Hyderabad: Ramesh Shanmugan, gold medallist in the on-going Khelo India Para Games in Delhi in men’s 800 m (T53/54) category, says that once the legend M.S. Dhoni retires, he will stop watching cricket!

Hailing from what he describes as a “tiny and remote village” Mannathampatty in Tiruchirappalli district of Tamil Nadu, Ramesh has idolised the former Indian cricket team captain for many years, and is eager for the start of the upcoming season of Indian Premier League.

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“I used to play cricket back in the day. I used to run fast and also was a wicketkeeper.I really enjoy watching the sport, especially our Thala MS Dhoni,” Shanmugam told SAI Media.

The 30-year-old para athlete believes that the cricketing legend has taught him a lot many things, especially how to remain calm, composed and disciplined during tough times.

Just this year, Ramesh, national record holder in Men’s 800m T53/T54, won two gold medals and a silver medal at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix. On Friday, he added two more gold medals in Men’s 800m T53/T54 and Men’s 100m T53/T54 at KIPG 2025 to continue his ascent.

“I feel I am on the right track in my career now. The Sports Authority of India and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs have done really well over the past few years to support the para athletes. Here at KIPG, all our basic needs are taken care of. We are getting fantastic accommodation, the best mode of travel and food options,” he says.

Born to a family of farmers, Shanmugam was eight years old when a lorry accident led to him losing both his legs. Support from the local
authorities and government allowed him to continue his education.

Shanmugam went on to pursue B. Sc. in Bio Chemistry from a college in Trichy, where he was lured towards para sports. He inculcated himself into para basketball and went on to represent the national team in eight international tournaments before lack of support made him look to para athletics two years ago.

“Athletes are more energetic. When you are racing in a wheelchair, you are always in motion. It always keeps you pumped up. I felt this is what I needed,” he says.