India’s first intellectually impaired Paralympic medalist emerges as a beacon of resilience and triumph
Bengaluru, July 28, 2025 — Hailing from a modest village in Telangana, Deepthi Jeevanji has risen to become a symbol of determination and national pride. Her journey from hardship to international acclaim in para-athletics is a powerful testament to perseverance and talent that refused to be ignored.
Historic Achievements on the World Stage
At just 21, Deepthi secured a bronze medal in the women’s 400m T20 event at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, clocking a remarkable 55.82 seconds. She became the first Indian athlete with an intellectual impairment to reach the Paralympic podium.
Her meteoric rise continued in May 2024, when she set a new world record of 55.07 seconds at the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, firmly establishing her among the global elite.
In 2023, she had already earned gold at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, showcasing her dominance in the T20 category and setting new benchmarks for Indian para-athletics.
A Struggle Beyond the Track
Deepthi’s achievements were forged against overwhelming odds. Born into a family of daily-wage labourers, she battled poverty, social prejudice, and a lack of institutional support. Despite her evident talent, her early years were marked by neglect—her potential only recognized thanks to a dedicated schoolteacher and coach.
With limited financial support, her family made enormous sacrifices—including selling their agricultural land—to fund her training and travel expenses. For years, her victories remained unnoticed beyond the para-sports community.
Long-Awaited Recognition
Her perseverance finally gained national attention in January 2025, when she received the Arjuna Award, one of India’s highest sporting honours, from President Droupadi Murmu at the National Sports Awards ceremony.
Recognizing her extraordinary journey, the Government of Telangana awarded her a ₹1 crore cash prize, a Group-2 government job, and a plot of prime land, acknowledging the hurdles she overcame to bring glory to the nation.
Inspiration for a Generation
Speaking at a felicitation event, Deepthi said, “Representing my country on a global platform is an immense honour. I’m deeply grateful to my university, teachers, and the government for their unwavering support.”
Her story is a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by para-athletes and the need for broader recognition of their contributions. Her achievements underscore the importance of inclusive support systems and the transformative impact of belief and opportunity.
As Gs. Gopal Raaj, Editor of City Today News and Tj Vision Media, stated, “After so many hurdles in life, she finally received the recognition she truly deserved. In fact, she deserves even more.”
Deepthi Jeevanji’s journey is not just a sports story—it is a national inspiration.
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