In a remarkable display of athleticism and determination, Deepthi Jeevanji, the 20-year-old world champion sprinter from India, has secured a bronze medal in the women’s 400m T20 event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Jeevanji’s career, coming in her debut Games appearance.
Medal-Winning Performance
Jeevanji clocked an impressive time of 55.82 seconds, demonstrating her world-class speed and endurance. Her performance placed her on the podium behind two formidable competitors:
- Yuliia Shuliar of Ukraine (Gold, 55.16 seconds)
- Aysel Onder of Turkey (Silver, 55.23 seconds), the current world record holder
Contribution to India’s Medal Tally
Jeevanji’s bronze medal has made a significant impact on India’s overall performance at the Paralympics:
- India’s medal count has now increased to 16, including 3 gold medals.
- Track-and-field events have contributed 6 medals to this tally, highlighting India’s strength in para-athletics.
- India currently holds the 18th position in the overall standings.
Jeevanji’s Inspiring Journey
From Rural Telangana to Paralympic Podium
Deepthi Jeevanji’s path to Paralympic success is a testament to her resilience and determination:
Humble Beginnings
- Born to farm labourers in Kalleda Village, Warangal district, Telangana.
- Diagnosed with intellectual impairment after being noticed at a school-level athletics meet.
Overcoming Adversity
- Faced taunts and discrimination in her village due to her disability.
- Transformed challenges into motivation for athletic excellence.
Rising to Prominence
- Won gold at the 2023 Asian Para Games.
- Broke the world record at the Para World Championships in May 2023, securing another gold medal.
Support System
Jeevanji’s success is also attributed to the support she received:
- Nagpuri Ramesh: Her formative coach who recognized her potential.
- Pullela Gopichand: The national badminton coach who provided additional assistance in her training.
Understanding the T20 Category
The T20 classification in Paralympic sports is specifically designed for athletes with intellectual impairment. This category ensures fair competition among athletes with similar cognitive abilities, allowing them to showcase their physical prowess on an equal playing field.
