PARIS, SEP 4:  On a brisk Wednesday IST, the 20-year-old Deepthu Jeevanji from Telangana defied odds and expectations, becoming the first intellectually impaired Indian athlete to secure a Paralympic medal.

With a bronze medal in the women’s 400m T20 class, Deepthi’s journey from a small village in Telangana to the grand stage of the Paralympics is nothing short of extraordinary.

The T20 class, a category reserved for athletes with intellectual impairments, bore witness to Deepthi’s incredible achievement.

Clocking 55.82 seconds, she finished behind Ukraine’s Yulia Shuliar and Turkey’s Ayser Onder, who crossed the line in 55.16 and 55.23 seconds, respectively. But for Deepthi, the medal represented more than just a time; it was the culmination of years of struggle, determination, and sheer will.

“I was very tired during the race,” Deepthi shared, her voice reflecting the exhaustion of her monumental effort. “My body was not used to the time difference with India.” Her modesty belies the significance of her accomplishment.

Deepthi’s journey is a testament to resilience. Born in a small Telangana village, she faced harsh judgments and societal pressure due to her condition. Villagers even suggested her parents abandon her, but their love and unwavering support became the bedrock of her success. Despite financial hardships and societal stigma, her parents’ belief in her potential never wavered.

“I am very happy, so happy for this first medal at the Paralympics,” Deepthi said with a smile that spoke volumes. “My parents are also so very happy and very proud.” Her joy and gratitude are palpable, reflecting the deep bond between her and her family.

The turning point in Deepthi’s life came when coach N Ramesh spotted her talent at the age of 15. His faith in her potential transformed her raw ability into a disciplined prowess.

Today, she stands as the reigning Para World Champion and a gold medallist at the 2023 Asian Para Games. At the World Championships, she set a world record of 55.07 seconds, a mark recently surpassed by Onder.

Deepthi’s bronze medal at Paris 2024 is not just a personal victory but a symbol of India’s growing presence in the Paralympic arena. Her achievement adds to India’s 16th Paralympic medal at Paris 2024, with six coming from athletics alone.
Sumit Antil, Nishad Kumar, Yogesh Kathuniya, and Preethi Pal also contributed to the nation’s medal haul, each adding their own chapter to this historic Paralympic narrative.

Deepthi Jeevanji’s story is a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating that with perseverance and support, even the highest peaks can be reached. As she stands on the podium, clutching her bronze medal, Deepthi reminds us that greatness often rises from the most challenging beginnings.(UNI)