Remembering Deepa Malik on Her Birth Anniversary: India’s Paralympic Trailblazer

By Amit Kumar

Today marks the birth anniversary of Deepa Malik, born on September 30, 1970, in Haryana. She holds the distinction of being the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic medal, earning silver in the shot put F53 category at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Deepa Malik’s journey of courage and determination has made her an inspiring icon in Indian sports.

Diagnosed with a spinal tumor in childhood, Deepa faced severe physical challenges throughout her life. Surgeries left her paralyzed from the waist down, but she refused to let this define her. She began competing in para-sports, excelling in shot put, swimming, and motor rallying. Her dedication and resilience led her to win over 50 national and 18 international medals.

Her silver medal at Rio was a historic milestone for Indian athletes with disabilities and for women in sports, spotlighting their talent and tenacity. Beyond medals, Deepa Malik is a vocal advocate for differently-abled athletes. She has been honored with prestigious awards including the Arjuna Award and Padma Shri.

Deepa Malik’s life story is a testament to the power of perseverance. On this birth anniversary, India celebrates her contributions to sports and society. She continues to inspire generations to overcome obstacles and reach for their dreams, paving the way for greater inclusivity and recognition in Indian sports.