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Reigning Paralympic champion Sumit Antil defended his F64 javelin throw world title in emphatic fashion at the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan. The Indian star hurled his spear to a distance of 69.50m, leaving his rivals trailing in his wake. Compatriot Sandeep added to India's medal tally with a bronze medal in the same event, with a throw of 60.41m.Tokyo Paralympics silver winner Thangavelu Mariyappan continued India's golden run by claiming the gold medal in the T63 high jump. Mariyappan soared to a championship record of 1.88m, showcasing his exceptional athleticism.Ekta Bhyan also contributed to India's medal haul by securing the gold medal in the women's F51 club throw competition. Bhyan unleashed a season's best throw of 20.12m, leaving her opponents in her dust. Kashish Lakra added to India's success in the same event, taking home the silver medal with an effort of 14.56m.India's impressive performance at the World Para Athletics Championships is a testament to the country's growing prowess in para-athletics. The athletes' determination and resilience have brought glory to India and inspired countless others.

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.

India Bags Medals at World Para Athletics ChampionshipsIndia's para-athletes have made a strong start at the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, securing a silver and a bronze medal on Sunday.Nishad Kumar, a Tokyo Paralympics silver medalist, cleared 1.99m in the men's T47 high jump final to finish second behind American Roderick Townsend, who won gold with a jump of 2.05m. Kumar's silver is India's first medal at the championships.Preethi Pal added a bronze to India's tally in the women's T35 200m final, clocking a time of 30.49 seconds. The T35 category is for athletes with coordination impairments.Deepthi Jeevanji also impressed, qualifying for the women's T20 400m final after winning her heat race in an Asian record time of 56.18 seconds. The T20 category is for athletes with intellectual impairment.India's performance has been encouraging, with the team currently ranked 29th in the medal tally. China leads the standings with 26 podium finishes, including 10 gold medals.The championships will continue until May 25, and India will be hoping to add to its medal count in the coming days.