Spotlight: Rising Stars from Madurai

Jerlin Anika – Deaflympic Gold-Winning Badminton Prodigy

A remarkable deaf badminton athlete from Madurai, Jerlin Anika Jayaratchagan has overcome early hearing impairment to emerge as a national and international champion. She won gold in the girls’ singles at the World Deaf Youth Badminton Championships (2019), alongside silvers in doubles events. At the 2021 Summer Deaflympics, she captured three gold medals Recognized with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2022, her journey exemplifies resilience and excellence against all odds.

Revathi Veeramani – Barefoot to Olympic Relay Track Star

She overcame immense struggles in her early life, having grown up as an orphan without even basic necessities like footwear. Through sheer determination and hard work, she rose to become a prominent athlete on the national stage. Her perseverance eventually earned her the honor of representing India at the Tokyo Olympics, where she competed in the mixed 4×400 meter relay event.

Women of Bethshan Special School Shine in Sports

Five talented students from Bethshan Special School, Madurai, brought pride to their city with their performances at the Special Olympics World Games 2023 held in Berlin. Among them, two students secured bronze medals in volleyball, while three others showcased their skills in futsal, finishing in fourth place.

Their achievements were not limited to the international stage. Back home, the school’s differently-abled girls’ team also displayed remarkable talent by winning the gold medal in throwball at the Chief Minister’s Trophy in Chennai. These accomplishments highlight not only the determination of the athletes but also the importance of inclusive sports programs in nurturing hidden potential and creating equal opportunities.

Vanavi Aadhirai & T Shalini – National Dueball Champions from Madurai

Madurai’s sporting spirit was once again highlighted when Vanavi Aadhirai and T Shalini, both pursuing their final year at Lady Doak College, earned recognition on the international stage. The two were selected to represent India in the Bangabandhu International Dueball Series 2023 held in Bangladesh, where the national women’s team secured the championship title.

For Vanavi, the victory carried added significance. Having earlier competed as a throwball player at the national level, she successfully transitioned into dueball, a fast-growing sport that combines teamwork, speed, and strategy. She credits her achievement to the strong encouragement from her college, which has consistently supported women athletes across different disciplines.

Shalini, equally dedicated, expressed that the experience of competing against international teams has boosted her confidence and motivated her to aim higher in the world of sports.

The success of these two athletes has not only brought pride to their institution but has also drawn attention to dueball, an emerging sport that is creating new opportunities for young players in India. Their journey reflects how talent, combined with institutional backing and personal determination, can open doors to global recognition.