From racing to TT, Madan's second chapter as para-athlete

AFTER a near fatal crash in the outskirts of Mumbai 18 years ago, racer-turned wheelchair-athlete Jehan Dorab Madan has had an extraordinary turnaround in the second chapter of his life.

- CHANDRA PRABHU @ Chennai

He used to light up the tracks at the Madras International Circuit, but now, the 48-year-old is one of the nation's top para table tennis players.

Taking part in Class 1 para TT, which is the most challenging format of the discipline, the paddler from Tamil Nadu did not have it easy. Playing with able-bodied paddlers, and having a positive approach to setbacks has been key in the making of Madan as a paddler.

Entering his fourth year in the sport, Madan has won medals at the continental levels this year. After a gold medal at the Khelo India Para Games in March 2025, he recently won two silvers and a bronze in Asian level meets at Taipei (World Para Future) and Kaohsiung (World Para Challenger).