Deepa Malik – First Indian woman medalist at Paralympics

By A STAFF REPORTER: Sports are an integral part of human life. The Paralympic Games have a special place in sports. It is an international multi-sport event for the partially or fully disabled. Deepa Malik is one such super-athlete and role model in the world at the Paralympic Games.

Deepa Malik was diagnosed with a spine tumour at the age of five and recovered from it after three years of treatment and physiotherapy. But his tumor came back at the age of 29 and doctors said he could no longer walk after the surgery. Deepa Malik is the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Paralympics.

Deepa Malik started her sports career at the age of 30. He has immense skills in multiple sports disciplines, including shot put, swimming, javelin throw, discus throw, and even motorcycle.

On 12 September 2016, at the age of 45, Dipa created history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Paralympic Games. He won a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. She won gold in the javelin event at the Para-Athletic Grand Prix held in Dubai in 2018.

He has also gained recognition by participating in various adventure sports. He is associated with the Himalayan Motorsports Association and the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India. He holds four Limca world records registered in his name. Deepa Malik is the only Indian woman and para-athlete to have won three consecutive Asian Para Games (2010, 2014, 2018).

Malik is the first physically challenged person in the country to get an official rally license from the Federation Motor Sports Club of India and has become a navigator and driver in the country's toughest car rallies. He is a member and participant of various foundations, including sports and physical education, under the Ministry of Sports of India.