Deepa Malik Becomes First Indian Woman to Medal at the Paralympics

Deepa Malik paved her way into history books on Monday evening by becoming the first Indian woman to win a medal at Paralympics. Deepa bagged a silver medal in the shot-put F-53 event as her throw of 4.61m was the best in her six attempts.

With her attaining the silver, India now has three medals so far at the Rio Paralympics.

After bagging the silver, an excited Deepa said she wants to use the medal to support women with disabilities in India.

The 45-year-old, who is the oldest in the Indian contingent in Rio to win a medal, called it a “proud moment” for her and the family.

“I want to use this medal to support women with disabilities in India. This journey has been wonderful for me and my entire family, I am proud to be the oldest athlete in the team and win a medal,” Deepa told IANS after her feat.

Deepa will receive a cash award of Rs 4 crore under Haryana Sports Scheme for her feat.

Bahrain’s Fatema Nedham won the gold medal with the best throw of 4.76m while Dimitra Korokida of Greece necked the bronze medal with a throw of 4.28m.

With the victory, Deepa also became the first Indian female medallist in the history of the Paralympic Games. India, who made their Paralympic Games debut in 1968, have bagged an overall total of 11 medals including three gold, four silver and an equal number of bronze medals.

Deepa is a paraplegic, paralysed from waist down, and mother of two and wife of an Army officer. Life took a twist when a spinal tumour made walking impossible for her 17 years ago. The spinal tumor had to be operated and 31 surgeries were conducted on Deepa and healing involved 183 stitches between her waist and legs.

In Rio, besides shotput, Deepa has participated in javelin throw, swimming and has also been a motivational speaker. She has also won medals in swimming at international competitions, holds the Asian record in javelin throw, and also has World Championships silver medals in shot put and discus in 2011.

Deepa, who received the Arjuna award in 2012, has also registered her name twice in the Limca Book of Records, once for crossing a 1 km stretch of the Yamuna river against the current in 2008, and then again for covering 58 km by riding a special bike in 2013.

(With inputs from PTI.)