Deepa Malik has become the first woman in Indian history to win a Paralympics medal. Malik, a shot putter, gave a throw of 4.61m in the F-53 final event in Rio, taking home a silver medal.
India now has three medals in the Paralympics, a stunning achievement given they only won 2 during the Olympics. Malik said it feels “incredible to fulfil a lifelong ambition.”
Back in 1999, Malik suffered a spinal tumour that left her paralysed below the waist. Six years later, she got involved in para sports and competed in swimming and javelin throws. In 2011, Malik won silver for shot put at the World Championships. She added:
“This is our third medal now in Rio and I sincerely hope people back home wake up and acknowledge the potential of para sports in India.”
“It is an extremely satisfying feeling and a big thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years.”
Thousands congratulated and praised the athlete, including Narendra Modi and Amitabh Bachchan.
