Ramesh Shanmugam, a 30-year-old para-athlete from Mannathampatty, a remote village in Tamil Nadu's Tiruchirappalli district, has made a name for himself in wheelchair racing, overcoming immense challenges along the way.

After losing both his legs in a lorry accident at the age of eight, Shanmugam refused to let adversity define his future. Today, he is a national record holder in the Men's 800m T53/T54 category and has achieved significant success in para-athletics.

A die-hard fan of former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni, Shanmugam credits his sportsmanship and resilience to Dhoni's calm and composed approach. "Once MS Dhoni retires, I will stop watching cricket," he stated, as quoted by SAI Media.

His journey in sports began with cricket, where he played as a wicketkeeper and enjoyed running. Eventually, his passion led him to para sports, first excelling in para basketball before shifting to wheelchair racing two years ago.

This year has been a milestone for Shanmugam. He won two gold medals and a silver at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix, followed by two more golds at the Khelo India Para Games 2025 in the Men's 800m T53/T54 and 100m T53/T54 events.

"I feel I'm on the right path. The support from the Sports Authority of India and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs has been instrumental. At Khelo India Para Games, we receive top-notch facilities, from accommodation to travel and food," he said.

Despite facing financial hardships early in life, Shanmugam pursued a B.Sc. in Biochemistry and discovered his passion for para sports. His family, especially his wife, has been his pillar of strength.

"Last year, I won bronze at Khelo India Para Games. This time, I have two golds. My parents are thrilled with my progress. Their support fuels my dreams. I now aim for the Paralympics and want to bring home a gold medal for my country," he added.