It has been a month since Mariyappan Thangavelu bagged a historic gold in the men's high jump at the Paralympic Games at Rio. The celebrations, though, haven't subsided for the champion Athlete hailing from a small village in Salem district.

He has now shot for Comedy Nighs with Kapil in Mumbai for Sony TV and Vijay TV's Neengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi in Chennai.

Felicitations will continue for another fortnight as he travels to Hyderabad and New Delhi, among other places, before resuming training in Bengaluru.

"I haven't slept properly since winning the gold as the phone keeps ringing. There were times when I was overwhelmed" Mariyappan told after being Felicitated by Velammal Vidyalaya School in Chennai.

He also said he has enough money now to take care of his old mother and build a new house in Chennai.

Mariyappan gave full credit to Satyanarayana, his coach, for his success at the highest level. Answering questions from kids, Mariyappan said though he won medals at the National - level earlier, it was only during his second year of college that he was noticed.

"In my second year, Satyanarayana saw my talent, spoke to my family,college staffs and spent his own money for training and tournaments abroad. I also want to thank Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu for their help," he said.

He is now focusing on World Championship in London next year and one will be sure he will do well over there and make us proud.