Shotputter Deepa bags silver at Rio Paralympics

India have so far secured three medals from the Rio Paralympics.

India’s Deepa Malik who became the first Indian women to win a medal at a Paralympics with a silver in the shot put F-53 event in Rio on Monday, was in Dubai for the IPC Asia Pacific Para Athletics Championship earlier this year.

Noida lad Bhati had achieved a personal best of 1.86m in the same event to win a bronze as India for the first time had two members on the podium.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted to Deepa Malik.

Deepa Malik in action. “Well done @DeepaAthlete! Your silver at the #Paralympics makes the nation very proud”.

Deepa will receive a cash award of ‘4 crore under Haryana Sports Scheme for her feat.

The spinal tumour had to be operated and 31 surgeries were conducted on Deepa which was healed after 183 stitches between her waist and legs.

Rahul Gandhi also used twitter to congratulate Deepa on her achievement.

Besides shotput, Deepa has participated in javelin throw, swimming and has also been a motivational speaker.

Despite being paralysed down the chest, Deepa has excelled in many sports winning numerous national and worldwide medals. Thangavelu Mariyappan has won the gold in men’s high jump, and Varun Singh Bhati took the bronze in the same event.

The 45-year-old, who was paralysed from chest down after being diagnosed with spinal tumour, is also an Asian record holder in women’s javelin throw and has also been nominated in Limca Book of Records for her swimming records.