International arm-wrestling champion Joby Mathew said in Aluva, near Kochi, on August 14 that ambition, knowledge and hard work would lead the youth to success while sharing his own journey of overcoming physical challenges and achieving success in sport. He was addressing the Yuva Sangamam organised by the RSS as part of the centenary celebrations of the organisation.
The RSS centenary year, which began on Vijayadashami 2025 and will conclude on Vijayadashami 2026, has included a series of programmes aimed at engaging different sections of society, including youth gatherings and Yuva Sammelans.
Joby Mathew interacted with the youth during the programme. A person with a 60% physical disability, he explained the successes he had achieved in his own life, which was a real inspiration for the participants.
Joby Mathew’s sporting journey has seen him win more than 29 medals despite his physical condition. Organiser had reported that he won gold in the 65-kg category at the Khelo India National Para Powerlifting Championship in 2025 and has also secured four Asian and Oceania gold medals at the Para World Championship in Korea in 2022.
He began his para powerlifting journey in 2010 and has represented India in several international events. Despite missing the opportunity to compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, he continues to pursue his ambition of winning a Paralympic gold medal for India.
Writer Prashanthi Chowara, speaking on the occasion, told the youth that they should accept the messages of Puranas and epics as their inspiration.
Extraordinary youths who have proved their mettle in various spheres of social life were honoured on the occasion. RSS Dakshin Pranth Sah Karyavah K.B. Sreekumar delivered the Independence Day message.
RSS Aluva Sanghchalak and retired District Judge Sundaram Govind hoisted the national flag. Hundreds of youths participated in the programme.
The programme was organised against the backdrop of the RSS centenary year, during which the organisation has been conducting youth-centric programmes across the country. In Kerala, the RSS has also announced plans to expand its activities to every village by October 2026. According to Organiser, the organisation currently has around 7,000 shakhas in Kerala.
Joby Mathew’s presence was a real inspiration for the youth because, despite suffering 60% physical disability, he has been winning numerous medals within the country and abroad. He keeps travelling abroad to participate in one match or another.
Joby Mathew has won more than 29 medals, including international gold medals, despite being born with Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency. He also won gold in the 65-kg category at the Khelo India National Para Powerlifting Championship in 2025.
Prime Minister Modiji publicly recognised and honoured the champion para athlete/arm wrestler by reading an inspiring letter he (Joby Mathew) sent to him (PM) during the 120th episode of the Mann Ki Baat programme on March 30, 2025. Prime Minister Modiji read excerpts from Joby Mathew’s letter detailing the daily struggles and perseverance of differently-abled sportspersons and praised his gold-medal-winning performance at the Khelo India Para Games.
