Deepthi Jeevanji receives grand welcome at Hyderabad Airport after Paris Paralympics victory
Hyderabad: Deepthi Jeevanji was warmly welcomed with great enthusiasm and acclaim at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport on Friday, September 6, 2024, upon her return from the Paris Paralympics 2024. The para-athlete from Kalleda village in Warangal district, Telangana, was greeted by a throng of supporters, who erupted in cheers and applause.
Deepthi secured a bronze medal in the women’s 400m T20 final, clocking 55.82 seconds, which made India proud of her remarkable achievement. Her journey to the Paralympics has been full of challenges. Born with an intellectual disability, she faced relentless ridicule in her village, where she was derogatorily nicknamed ‘Monkey’ and ‘Mental’.
Her parents, Jeevanji Yadhagiri and Jeevanji Dhanalaxmi, recalled the painful suggestions from villagers that they should send their daughter to an orphanage. “She was born during a solar eclipse with a small head and unusual facial features. People said terrible things, but today, she has proven that she is truly special,” said her mother, Dhanalaxmi.
Despite these adversities, Deepthi’s determination and hard work led her to secure India’s 16th medal at the Paris Paralympics. She finished just behind Yuliia Shuliar of Ukraine and Aysel Onder of Turkey, who holds the world record.
Deepthi Jeevanji had previously made history by winning India’s first gold medal at the World Athletics Para Championship in Kobe, Japan, further establishing herself as a world-class athlete.
After her win at the Paris Paralympics, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy extended his congratulations to Deepthi Jeevanji for her outstanding achievement. In a statement, the Chief Minister praised Deepthi for her resilience and determination, highlighting that disability is not a barrier to talent. He hailed her as an inspiration to all, and also congratulated all Indian athletes and sportspersons who won medals at the 2024 Paralympics.
