Deepa Malik wins silver for shot put at Rio Paralympics

RIO DE JANEIRO: India’s Deepa Malik created history on Monday by becoming the first-ever woman from the country to win a medal at the Paralympics when she bagged

RIO DE JANEIRO: India’s Deepa Malik created history on Monday by becoming the first-ever woman from the country to win a medal at the Paralympics when she bagged a silver in the shotput F-53 event.

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Deepa’s best throw of 4.61m from her six attempts was enough to clinch the silver medal. India, thus, now have secured three medal from the Rio Paralympics. Deepa will receive a cash award of Rs 4 crore under Haryana Sports Scheme for her feat.

Bahrain’s Fatema Nedham won the gold medal, while Dimitra Korokida of Greece bagged the bronze medal.

Deepa is a paraplegic, paralysed from waist down and mother of two and wife of an Army officer. Besides shotput, Deepa has participated in javelin throw, swimming and has also been a motivational speaker. Deepa said she wants to use the medal to support women with disabilities in India. The 45-year-old called it a “proud moment” for her and the family.

“I want to use this medal to support women with disabilities in India. This journey has been wonderful for me and my entire family, I am proud to be the oldest athlete in the team and win a medal,” Deepa told IANS immediately after her silver medal feat, which she won with a personal best throw of 4.61 metres in the F53 final event.

Deepa’s achievement was India’s third medal from the Paralympic Games. India’s tally now stands at one gold, one silver and a bronze.