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Deepthi Jeevanji, a para-athlete from India, has triumphed over adversity to clinch the bronze medal in the women's 400m T20 category at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Despite falling short of her personal best, Deepthi's remarkable performance earned her a place on the podium behind Ukraine's Yuliia Shuliar and Turkey's Aysel Onder, the world record holder.Deepthi's journey to the Paralympics has been marked by resilience and determination. Born with intellectual disability, she faced relentless mockery and discrimination from her neighbors, who labeled her a "monkey" and urged her parents to abandon her. Undeterred, Deepthi's parents stood by her, providing unwavering support that fueled her passion for sports."I was born during an eclipse, so our neighbors kept speaking against me. They called me monkey and advised my parents to abandon me or leave me at an orphanage. But I ignored all the negativity and focused on my sport," Deepthi told India Today.Financial challenges also plagued Deepthi's family. Her parents were forced to sell their land to make ends meet. However, after winning an Asian Games medal, Deepthi used her earnings to buy back the land for her family.Deepthi's mother, Jeevanji Dhanalaxmi, recalled the taunts her daughter endured growing up. "Every villager who saw her and some of our relatives would call Deepthi pichi (mental) and kothi (monkey) and tell us to send her to an orphanage," she told The Indian Express.Despite the hardships, Deepthi remained focused on her athletic pursuits. She found solace in sweet rice and chicken, which her mother would prepare to comfort her after facing ridicule.Deepthi's bronze medal at the Paralympics is a testament to her indomitable spirit and the power of perseverance. It is a victory not only for her but also for all those who have faced adversity and triumphed over it.

Para-athlete Deepthi Jeevanji returned to India on Thursday as a national hero after securing a bronze medal in the women's 400m T20 final at the ongoing Paris Paralympics. Jeevanji, making her Paralympic debut, showcased exceptional speed and determination throughout the competition.In the final, Jeevanji started strongly but faced a challenge in the final phase of the race. Despite her best efforts, she finished behind Ukraine's Yuliia Shuliar (gold) and Turkey's Aysel Onder (silver). However, her time of 55.82s was enough to secure a podium finish and add to India's growing medal tally.Jeevanji's bronze medal is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She qualified for the final with a sensational run in the qualification round, finishing first in her heat with a time of 55.45s. Her performance in Paris has not only brought glory to India but also inspired countless aspiring athletes.India's Paralympic contingent has enjoyed a remarkable run in Paris, with several athletes achieving podium finishes. Para-athletes Dharambir and Pranav Soorma claimed gold and silver medals, respectively, in the men's club throw F51 final. Ajeet Singh and Sundar Singh Gurjar also secured silver and bronze medals in the men's javelin throw F46 event.In addition to Jeevanji's bronze, India has also won gold medals in para archery, para shooting, and para-shuttle. Para-archer Harvinder Singh made history by winning India's first-ever gold medal in para archery at the Paralympics. Para-shooter Avani Lekhra and javelin thrower Sumit Antil also contributed to India's gold medal count.The Indian contingent's success at the Paris Paralympics is a testament to the country's growing support for para-sports. The athletes' achievements have not only brought pride to the nation but also raised awareness about the abilities and potential of individuals with disabilities.

The Paris Paralympics 2024 has showcased the indomitable spirit of athletes who have overcome adversity to achieve greatness. Among them is Deepthi Jeevanji, an Indian para-athlete who has defied challenges to become a beacon of inspiration.Born with intellectual disability, Deepthi faced taunts and discrimination from her community. However, her unwavering determination and the unwavering support of her family propelled her to pursue her passion for athletics.In 2023, Deepthi made history by winning India's first gold medal at the World Athletics Para Championship in Kobe, Japan. Her triumph was a testament to her resilience and the power of belief.At the ongoing Paris Paralympics 2024, Deepthi continued her remarkable journey by securing a bronze medal in the women's 400m T20 final. She crossed the finish line in 55.82 seconds, adding another chapter to her inspiring story.Deepthi's success is not only a personal achievement but also a symbol of hope for countless individuals with disabilities. Her journey demonstrates that with determination and support, anything is possible.Her parents, Jeevanji Yadhagiri and Jeevanji Dhanalaxmi, have been instrumental in Deepthi's success. Despite facing financial challenges, they have always encouraged their daughter to pursue her dreams."Seeing her become the world champion in a far-off country proves that she is indeed a special girl," said Jeevanji Dhanalaxmi. "She has always given us joy, and this medal will also mean a lot to us."Deepthi's story is a reminder that disability does not define an individual's potential. With the right support and opportunities, people with disabilities can achieve extraordinary things.

Deepthi Jeevanji's remarkable journey from an intellectually impaired child to a world champion in para athletics is a testament to her indomitable spirit and the unwavering support of her coach, Nagpuri Ramesh.Ramesh first noticed Deepthi's exceptional athleticism but also her inability to express pain or fatigue during training. Suspecting an underlying issue, he took her to the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, where she was diagnosed with intellectual impairment.Undeterred, Ramesh encouraged Deepthi to pursue para sport. In 2016, she made her debut and quickly rose through the ranks. Her breakthrough came at the 2018 Para Asian Games in Hangzhou, where she won gold with an Asian record time.Deepthi's success has not only transformed her own life but also that of her family. Her parents, once subjected to taunts, are now filled with pride. With the cash awards she has received, they have been able to buy back land they had to sell and are now farming.At the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Deepthi blazed to a world record time of 55.07s in the 400m sprint (T20), securing her a gold medal and a berth at the Paris Paralympics. She became the first Indian to win gold in track in world para championships.Ramesh attributes Deepthi's success to her natural talent, her ability to push her limits, and the support she receives from her family and the Pullela Gopichand Foundation. He emphasizes the importance of not overwhelming her with technical instructions, as she is like a "small child."Deepthi's story is an inspiration to all, demonstrating that with determination and support, anything is possible. Her journey is a reminder that disability does not define potential and that every individual has the right to pursue their dreams.