‘Once MS Dhoni retires, I will stop watching cricket’ | More sports News

NEW DELHI: Ramesh Shanmugam, a 30-year-old para-athlete and a MS Dhoni fan from the distant village of Mannathampatty in Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu, has achieved exceptional success in wheelchair racing.
Despite going through quite a few hardships, together with dropping each his legs in a lorry accident on the age of eight, Shanmugam has persevered and emerged as a nationwide document holder within the Men’s 800m T53/T54 occasion.
Shanmugam’s journey has been impressed by his admiration for former Indian cricket captain and an integral member of Chennai Super Kings IPL 2025 facet — Dhoni, whom he idolises for his calm, composed, and disciplined manner.
“Once MS Dhoni retires, I will stop watching cricket,” he mentioned, as quoted from a launch by SAI Media.
Drawing parallels from Dhoni’s strategy, Shanmugam has utilized related rules to his athletic profession, steadily rising by way of the ranks of wheelchair racing in India.
“I used to play cricket back in the day. I used to run fast and also was a wicketkeeper. I have been to several cricket matches as I really enjoy watching the sport, especially our thala MS Dhoni,” he mentioned.
This yr, Shanmugam’s achievements have been noteworthy, with two gold medals and a silver medal on the World Para Athletics Grand Prix, adopted by two extra gold medals within the Men’s 800m T53/T54 and Men’s 100m T53/T54 occasions on the Khelo India Para Games 2025.
“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 off. We are getting fantastic accommodation, the best mode of travel and food options,” he added.

Despite going through monetary constraints early in life, Shanmugam’s dedication and the help of native authorities and the federal government enabled him to proceed his schooling.
He pursued a B.Sc. in Biochemistry, the place he found his ardour for para sports, initially excelling in para basketball earlier than transitioning to para athletics two years in the past.
“Now my parents are very happy. In 2023, Khelo India Para Games, I had won bronze. This time, I have won two gold medals. They are delighted with my growth. My family have always been without big supporters, including my wife. Without them I could not have won a single medal,” he famous.
“They are allowing me to fulfil my dreams. I want to be selected for the Paralympics and win gold there to make my nation proud.”