Dharun Ayyasamy

Born on 31st December 1996 in Tiruppur district, Tamil Nadu; Dharun Ayyasamy is an Indian track athlete, specialised in 400m sprint as well as 400m hurdles event. Before switching to athletics, Ayyasamy used to play kho-kho and has represented his state in kho kho events. Dharun's sister is a volleyball player and a member of the Tamil Nadu state team.   

His Achievements:

• Burst into the international scene when he bagged a gold medal in 400m hurdles at the South Asian Games of 2016, finishing the race in 50.54 seconds
• Part of the relay team that set a new national 4×400m relay record by finishing in 3:00.91 seconds and advanced to the Rio Olympics. It was the third time the Indian men's relay team qualified for the Olympics after 1964 and 2000.
• Earned silver medals in 400m hurdles and men's 4x400m relay event at the 2018 Asian Games, held in Jakarta.