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.

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.