The sixth day of the Paris Paralympics brought great joy to India. Indian athletes made the nation proud by breaking previous records and winning a total of 5 medals. Among these remarkable athletes is Deepti Jeevanji, a 20-year-old from Telangana, who made history by winning a bronze medal in the women’s 400-meter T20 race. This achievement has made Deepti the first Indian woman to win a medal in this category at the Paralympic Games.
Overcoming Challenges: A Story of Courage
Deepti Jeevanji’s life has not been easy. She was born in Warangal, Telangana, with a congenital mental disability. From the very beginning, she faced many challenges. As a child, Deepti found it difficult to speak or perform daily tasks. Her parents, Dhanalakshmi and Yadhagiri Jeevanji, shared that Deepti was born during a solar eclipse, which led some villagers to believe that she was cursed.
Due to her small head and slightly different facial features, Deepti was often teased by other children and even by some adults. She was called names like “mad” and “monkey,” and her parents were advised to abandon her. But Deepti’s parents refused to give up on their daughter. Despite the taunts and the harsh words, they believed in her and continued to support her in every way possible.
Struggles in Childhood: A Family’s Fight
Deepti’s childhood was full of struggles. Her family faced financial difficulties, especially after her grandfather’s death, which forced them to sell their agricultural land. The money was scarce, and the family often had to go without proper meals. Deepti’s father, Yadhagiri, earned very little, and her mother, Dhanalakshmi, had to work hard to make ends meet.
Despite these hardships, Deepti’s love for athletics began to show at an early age. She was quiet by nature and often stayed to herself, but she found joy in running. Her mother would try to cheer her up by making her favorite food whenever she was sad.
The Turning Point: Discovery of a Champion
Deepti’s journey to the Paralympics began when she was 15 years old. A coach from the Sports Authority of India, N Ramesh, noticed her talent. He saw something special in Deepti and took her under his wing. With hard work and dedication, Deepti started achieving success in athletics.
Her first breakthrough came in 2022 when she won a gold medal at the Asian Para Games, setting a new Asian record. She continued to shine and became the world champion in the 2024 World Para Athletics in Japan, where she set a world record.
Creating History: Deepti’s Moment of Glory
All the hard work paid off when Deepti won the bronze medal in the 400-meter T20 race at the Paris Paralympics. She finished the race in 55.82 seconds, missing the gold medal by just 0.66 seconds. This victory has not only made her parents proud but also brought immense pride to the entire nation.
Deepti’s story is a powerful reminder of how perseverance, hard work, and belief can help overcome even the most difficult challenges. Her journey from being taunted as a child to becoming a Paralympic medalist is an inspiration to many.
