Disability is for the mind and not for the body - a phrase apt for the well-known athlete in the physically challenged category, Venkataravanappa. When you see Venkataravanappa sitting on his chair, he appears physically normal, since the upper portion of his body is healthy. A closer look and you will realise that God has not given him both the legs! He is lame by birth. Though his parents underwent severe suffering and mental agony on Venkataravanappa’s birth as a disabled child, he finally reached the summit in his chosen field by dint of hard work and dedication. In spite of his disability, he earned name and fame not only for his parents and his organisation, where he works, but also to the country at large.

Though he does not have legs, his hands and other parts of the body are strong. Hence, he chose games like shot-put throw, javelin throw and discuss throw, right from his college days. His strong desire and curiosity in these sports, made him popular nationally as well as internationally.

Venkataravanappa was bestowed upon three reputed awards – Arjuna Award (received from K R Narayanan, the then President of India) Ekalavya Award (by V S Ramadevi, the then Governor of Karnataka) and Rajyothsava Award (received from S M Krishna, the then Chief Minister of Karnataka) for his success in athletics. Venkataravanappa proudly recollects, “The year 1999 is an unforgettable one in my life because during this year, I received all the above three meritorious awards. This is a rare phenomenon and for a person like me, its all the more greater!”

Venkataravanappa today lives in Vidyaranyapura with his wife and two sons, who he refers to as a perennial source of encouragement and inspiration. He talks about his wife’s great concern towards him whenever he goes out of town to participate in events.

“My wife is concerned about my health, especially when I go out of town to take part in athletics. She prepares all essential food items well-ahead of time, to be taken along so that my health does not deteriorate during my sojourn,” says the loving husband, adding his deep acknowledgement towards the support and encouragement he has received from his seniors at the his workplace.

He received his school education at an ashram in his home town near Kolar. Actually meant for brahmins and vaishyas, Venkataravanappa feels fortunate to receive a seat on basis of his discipline and sincerity. Being the eldest in the family, Venkataravanappa took on the responsibility of taking care of the young siblings apart from his parents.

To which, Venkataravanappa says beaming with pride, “By the grace of God, I was able to support my brothers and sisters. They all are well-settled in their chosen fields now. I am also settled on my own in spite of my disability.” 

Though Venkataravanappa does not wish to participate in public functions, he would love to address seminars and conferences organised by schools and colleges in order to inspire and motivate students - such is the will of this achiever.


Some of his spectacular feats

*Gold medal for Weight-Lifting and Silver medal for Shot Put Throw, Javelin Throw and Discuss Throw, at World Master Games, Brisbane, Australia from September 8 to 26, 1994.
*Gold medal in Discuss Throw and two Silver medals each for Shot-put Throw and Javelin Throw, at Fespic Games (Asian) from January 10 to 16 at Bangkok, Thailand, 1999.
*Bronze medal in Javelin Throw at Fespic Games (Asian) from October 26 to November 1 at Busan South Korea, 2002.
*Again in 2002, Venkataravanappa participated and qualified in Javelin Throw at 3rd IPC World Championship Athletic from 20 to 28 July, 2002, Lillie at France.
*Brought laurels to the State by achieving Gold, Silver and Bronze medals by participating in various National, Zonal and State Athlete Meet Levels.