Former Indian Army soldier Solairaj Dharmaraj has added another major achievement to his sporting career by winning gold in the men’s long jump at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Tamil Nadu athlete recorded a jump of 7.15 metres, setting an Asian record and defending the title he secured at the previous edition.
His performance has drawn celebrations in his hometown in Thoothukudi district. The Tamil Nadu government has reportedly announced a cash reward of ₹75 lakh to recognise his achievement.
From Army Service to a Life-Changing Injury
Solairaj, the son of Dharmaraj and Eswari, belongs to A Kumarapuram village near Vilathikulam in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district. Motivated by a desire to serve the country, he joined the Indian Army at the age of 18 and served with the 21st Madras Regiment.
During his deployment in the Batalik sector of Kargil, extreme cold conditions affected blood circulation in his left leg. After medical assessment, doctors amputated the limb below the knee in November 2018.
Although the injury changed his life, it did not end his ambitions. Solairaj adapted to using a prosthetic leg and began training in para-athletics in 2019, eventually focusing on the long jump.
Back-to-Back Asian Para Games Titles
Solairaj’s determination and training helped him progress to international competition. At the 2022 Asian Para Games, held in Hangzhou in October 2023, he won gold in the men’s long jump T64 category with an effort of 6.80 metres.
Returning to the continental event in 2026, he improved his performance to 7.15 metres. The jump earned him another gold medal and, according to the supplied report, established a new Asian record. Defending his title highlights his continued success in a demanding international sporting discipline.
Family Pride and a Paralympic Ambition
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay congratulated the athlete and announced a reported ₹75 lakh cash incentive for his record-setting performance.
Solairaj’s family shared its happiness at his achievement. His father recalled that Solairaj joined the Army after completing Class 12, while his mother expressed pride in the recognition he had received from their community.
His wife, Muthupriya, said the family hopes to see him compete at the Paralympic Games and believes he can continue improving his performances.
Solairaj’s journey from military service to international para-athletics reflects his persistence in rebuilding his sporting career after a serious injury. With consecutive Asian Para Games gold medals to his name, the former soldier now has his sights set on achieving further success on the Paralympic stage.
