26‑year‑old para taekwondo star E. Blessing Saju, who clinched back‑to‑back Asian titles, is still waiting for a government job and formal acknowledgment from Tamil Nadu authorities. His story underscores the systemic gaps in support for India’s para athletes.

Key Takeaways

  • E. Blessing Saju won gold at the 10th and 11th Asian Para Taekwondo Championships.
  • Born without two hands, he completed a B.Com degree and pursued sport independently.
  • He still lacks a government job and official recognition despite his achievements.

E. Blessing Saju, a 26‑year‑old para taekwondo practitioner from the village of Saral Vilai in Kanyakumari district, secured gold medals in consecutive Asian Para Taekwondo Championships – Malaysia (2024) and Mongolia (2025) – in the K41 Men –63 kg category.

Early Life and Education

Saju was born without two hands, yet he grew up like any other child, completing his schooling and earning a B.Com from Noorul Islam Centre for Higher Education in Kumaracoil. He first attracted attention on social media at age 22 for his football dribbling tricks, which led Chennai coach Sumith Kumar to scout him for taekwondo.

Rise in the Sport

Under the mentorship of coach Sidheswaran for four years, Saju honed his skills and broke onto the international scene. Funding his participation in the Mongolia championship proved challenging; Kanyakumari MP Vijay Vasanth stepped in with a sponsorship of roughly ₹4.5 lakh, enabling his travel and competition expenses.

Recognition Gap

Despite his dual gold medals, Saju says the Tamil Nadu government and sports authorities have offered limited acknowledgment. His father Elias works as a daily‑wage labourer collecting rubber latex, making a secure government job under the sports quota a vital financial lifeline for the family.

Wider Context of Para Sports in India

India has launched several initiatives to promote para sports, yet systemic shortcomings—especially in career pathways and public recognition—persist. Athletes like Saju illustrate how international success does not automatically translate into domestic support, highlighting the need for robust policy reforms.

Addressing these gaps could transform not only Saju’s personal prospects but also set a precedent for a more inclusive sporting ecosystem across the nation.