Deepthi Jeevanji, the reigning world champion, delivered a stellar performance at the Paris Paralympics 2024, securing a bronze medal in the women’s 400m T20 final. She clocked a time of 55.82 seconds, narrowly missing out on silver to Turkey’s Aysel Onder, who shattered Deepthi’s world record during the heats with a time of 55.23 seconds. Ukraine’s Yuliia Shuliar clinched the gold medal, finishing with a time of 55.16 seconds.
Deepthi’s achievement marks a significant milestone for India at the Paralympics. She becomes the second Indian athlete, after Preethi Pal, to win a medal in a track event at the Games. Preethi had previously secured bronze medals in the women’s 100m T35 and 200m T35, making her the first Indian woman track and field athlete to win multiple Paralympic medals.
India’s medal tally at the ongoing Paris Paralympics continues to rise, currently standing at 16 medals – three gold, five silver, and eight bronze.
