Deepthi Jeevanji: From Overcoming Stigma to Winning Bronze at Paris 2024 Paralympics

A Historic Achievement

Deepthi Jeevanji has made history by winning a bronze medal in the women’s 400 meters T20 category at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. She is the first Indian athlete with an intellectual impairment to achieve this feat. This bronze medal is India’s sixteenth Paralympic medal at the games and the sixth in the athletics category.

Race Performance

• Event: Women’s 400 meters T20
• Time: 55.82 seconds
• Medal: Bronze
• Top Competitors: Ukraine’s Yulia Shuliar (55.16 seconds) and Turkiye’s Ayser Onder (55.23 seconds)

Despite the challenge of adjusting to a new time zone, Deepthi’s performance was remarkable. She expressed her happiness and pride, acknowledging the support from her parents.

Overcoming Challenges

Deepthi was born in Kalleda village, Warangal, Telangana, with a cognitive disability that affected her communication and adaptive skills. Social stigma and taunts from villagers were a significant hurdle. Her mother, Jeevanji Dhanalaxmi, recalled the difficult early years and the community’s harsh comments.

“She was born during a solar eclipse, with a small head and unusual features. Villagers called her ‘pichi’ (mental) and ‘kothi’ (monkey),” her mother said. Despite these challenges, Deepthi’s family stood by her.

Journey to Success

Deepthi’s path to the Paralympics began with her physical training coach, Biyani Venkateshwaralu, who discovered her talent at the Rural Development Foundation (RDF) School. Her exceptional performance caught the attention of Sports Authority of India (SAI) coach N. Ramesh, who helped her secure a spot at the SAI Centre in Hyderabad for specialized training.

Her dedication and perseverance paid off at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships, where she clinched gold and set a new record, securing her place at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

Support and Dedication

Deepthi’s coach, N. Ramesh, praised her calm demeanor and dedication, which made training easier. “She follows instructions well and doesn’t complain about fatigue,” he said.

A Proud Moment

Deepthi Jeevanji’s success at the Paris 2024 Paralympics is a testament to her resilience and hard work. Her journey from facing social stigma to winning an international medal is an inspiring story of triumph over adversity.