Rio Paralympics: Mariyappan Thangavelu wins gold, Varun Bhati clinches bronze in men's high jump

NEW DELHI: It was double jubilation for India early on Saturday morning when Mariyappan Thangavelu soared to a gold medal and compatriot Varun Singh Bhati clinched the bronze medal in the men's high jump T-42 event at the Rio Paralympics.
Thangavelu made history by becoming the first Indian high-jumper to win a gold at the Paralympics, with a leap of 1.89 metres. Bhati jumped his personal best of 1.86 metres to finish third.While initially at the first spot, India's other medal prospect Sharad Kumar finished at number six.

USA's Sam Grewe, who was at the head of the table for a while, bagged the silver medal.
Mariyappan Thangavelu poses after winning gold medal in the men's T42 high jump (AFP)
The Sports Ministry had earlier announced that Indian gold medallists from the Paralympic Games will be awarded Rs 75 lakh, the silver medallists will get Rs 50 lakh while Rs 30 lakh will be given to the bronze medallists.
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