Karthik, a 23-year-old hearing-impaired student from Vizhamangalam, near Panrutti, has been showing exceptional talent in athletics. He is currently pursuing his second year of postgraduate studies in Mathematics at a private college. Karthik's journey in sports began during his school years, where he actively participated in events such as sprinting and long jump, often achieving success. His athletic prowess was recognized in 2023 when he won a bronze medal in the 400-meter hurdles at the Annamalai University Athletic Meet.
In the Tamil Nadu State Championship for the hearing-impaired, Karthik made his mark by clinching gold medals in both the 110-meter and 400-meter hurdles. His impressive performances continued at the national level, where he bagged a gold medal in the hurdles event at a national competition for hearing-impaired athletes. His achievements on the national stage were followed by an international success when he won a silver medal in the 110-meter hurdles at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Deaf Athletics Championship in Malaysia.
Karthik's success story is a testament to his hard work and determination, with significant support from his parents, Mahalingam and Viji, as well as his coaches and sports enthusiasts who have been encouraging him throughout his journey. With a vision for greater achievements, Karthik is now undergoing intensive training for the upcoming Deaflympics, an international competition for athletes with hearing impairments, scheduled to be held in Tokyo, Japan. His dedication to overcoming challenges and excelling in athletics has made him an inspiration to many.
