Understanding the Paralympics High Jumper Question

The question asks us to identify a specific Indian Paralympics high jumper. We are given two key pieces of information about this athlete: they won a gold medal at the Rio Paralympics and they were awarded the Padma Shri in 2017.

To answer this, we need to recall or find information about Indian athletes who participated in the Rio Paralympics high jump event and their subsequent recognition.

Analyzing the Options and Athlete Achievements

Let's look at the options provided and check their relevance to the question's criteria:

• Narendra Ranbir: Information suggests he is a coach, not primarily known as a high jumper competing in the Rio Paralympics.
• Varun Bhati: He is an Indian Paralympics high jumper. He won a bronze medal at the Rio Paralympics (T42 category). He was also awarded the Arjuna Award in 2017 and Padma Shri in 2019. While a high jumper and a Rio medalist, he won bronze, not gold, at Rio.
• Mariyappan Thangavelu: He is an Indian Paralympics high jumper. He won a gold medal at the Rio Paralympics in the men's high jump T42 category. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2017 and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (now Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award) in 2020. This matches both criteria: Rio gold medal and Padma Shri in 2017.
• Devendra Jhajharia: He is an Indian Paralympics javelin thrower. He won gold medals in javelin throw at the 2004 Athens and 2016 Rio Paralympics. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2022, Padma Shri in 2012, and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2017. While a celebrated Paralympian with Rio gold and Padma Shri, his sport is javelin throw, not high jump.

Based on the analysis, Mariyappan Thangavelu is the only athlete among the options who is an Indian Paralympics high jumper, won gold at the Rio Paralympics, and received the Padma Shri in 2017.

The table clearly shows that Mariyappan Thangavelu fits both conditions mentioned in the question.

Conclusion on Indian Paralympics High Jumper

The Indian Paralympics high jumper who won gold at the Rio Paralympics and was awarded the Padma Shri in 2017 is Mariyappan Thangavelu.

Revision Table: Indian Paralympians

Additional Information: Indian Paralympics Success

India has seen increasing success in the Paralympics over the years. Athletes like Mariyappan Thangavelu, Varun Bhati, and Devendra Jhajharia are pioneers who have brought laurels to the country in various events, including high jump and javelin throw. Their achievements are recognized through prestigious awards like the Padma Shri, Arjuna Award, and Khel Ratna, highlighting their contribution to sports and inspiring future generations of Indian Paralympians.

The T42 classification, relevant for Mariyappan and Varun's high jump event in Rio, is for athletes with a single 'above the knee' amputation or equivalent disability. Athletes in this class often use prosthetics while competing.