Kuthuparamba: Nachiket Prasanth has made Kuthuparamba proud by clinching the gold medal in the 100-metre freestyle swimming event at the State Paralympics in Thrissur.

 A differently-abled young athlete, Nachiket has trained in swimming, cycling, badminton, football, mono act and keyboard from an early age.

Despite his passion, Nachiket faced significant challenges due to the lack of access to professional trainers and proper facilities. But his fortunes took a turn when he learned about the Darshana Charitable Society in Thrissur, led by Fr Solomon Kadamban Parambil, which offers free training camps for differently-abled children preparing for Special Olympics events. Nachiket joined the program and underwent an intensive week-long training session. Shortly after, he triumphed in the 100-metre freestyle race at the Paralympics, held at the Aquatic Complex under the Sports Council in Thrissur.

The Darshana Charitable Society has a remarkable track record of nurturing differently-abled athletes, including international champions, for global Paralympic events.

Nachiket, a student at Calicut University, hails from Vilayod in Paduvilayil. He is the son of K K Prasanth, a sub-treasury officer in Kallachi and Reshmi, an employee at the Vengad Family Health Centre. He has a sister, Neelambari.