Deepthi Jeevanji: On a Tuesday night in Warangal district, Andhra Pradesh, a small village erupted in celebration. Deepthi Jeevanji, a 20-year-old para-athlete, had just won a bronze medal in the 400m T20 classification at the Paris Paralympics. For her father, Jeevanji Yadhagiri, a truck cleaner, this victory was not just a sporting triumph but a testament to years of perseverance and hope.
Overcoming Early Life Challenges
Deepthi was born with an intellectual disability, a condition that affects cognitive functions, communication, and adaptive skills. Her arrival was met with skepticism and ridicule in her village of Kalleda. Where her small head, cleft lip, and disfigured nose led to cruel remarks. Despite these challenges, her parents, Yadhagiri and Dhanalaxmi, refused to abandon her. Instead, they nurtured her spirit, finding solace in the simple joys of family life, like sharing a plate of rice mixed with jaggery with her younger sister, Amulya.
Life in Kalleda was not easy. The family’s half-acre of land, their primary source of income, was sold after the death of Yadhagiri’s father. Yadhagiri took on various labor jobs to make ends meet, often earning as little as Rs 150-200 a day. Yet, even in these trying times, Deepthi’s parents noticed her physical agility and active nature, traits that would eventually pave the way for her athletic career.
The Discovery of a Future Star
Deepthi’s talent was first recognized at the Rural Development Foundation (RDF) School in her village. Physical Education teacher Biyani Venkateshwarlu spotted her running with friends and was struck by her natural speed and strength. Although she struggled with staying within her lane during races, her explosive starts and powerful finishes were undeniable. Under Venkateshwarlu’s guidance, Deepthi began competing against able-bodied athletes, quickly making a name for herself.
In 2019, Deepthi’s potential caught the attention of SAI coach N Ramesh, a Dronacharya awardee who had served as a fitness trainer for the Indian hockey team at the Sydney Olympics. Ramesh recognized the need for proper training and convinced Deepthi’s parents to allow her to train in Hyderabad. Despite their financial struggles, the family agreed, and Deepthi began her journey towards becoming a professional athlete.
Rising Through the Ranks
With Ramesh’s coaching, Deepthi’s skills improved rapidly. She competed in para nationals, winning the 400m at the World Para Grand Prix in Morocco and the Para Oceania Pacific Games in Australia. Her success attracted the attention of national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand, who supported her training through the Gopichand-Mytrah Foundation. Gopichand also helped arrange Deepthi’s assessment at the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, confirming her eligibility for para-athletics. Read more Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Setting a New Benchmark in Mobile Photography
In 2023, Deepthi set a record at the Hangzhou Para Asian Games, winning the 400m T20 title in 56.69 seconds. She furthered her success by achieving a world record of 55.07 seconds at the World Para Championships in Kobe, Japan, in May 2024.
The Road to Paralympic Glory
At the Paris Paralympics, Deepthi faced intense competition, particularly from Turkey’s Aysel Onder, who broke Deepthi’s world record in the heats with a time of 54.96 seconds. Despite this, Deepthi delivered a sensational performance in the final, clocking 55.82 seconds to secure the bronze medal.
Her coach, Venkateshwarlu, who has been recovering from a brain stroke, spoke through his wife about Deepthi’s resilience and determination. “Deepthi has taught each one of us patience,” he said. “With her determination and willpower, she has come to this point in her career. She has always given us joy, and this medal means a lot to her.”
A Family’s Pride and Joy
Deepthi Jeevanji: Back home in Kalleda, Yadhagiri could barely contain his pride. “Deepthi got the old house renovated through her Para Asian Games cash award. But whatever she achieves, it’s her reward,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. “I rarely take a day off from work, but this Paralympic medal is the biggest moment in our life, and work can wait for a day.”
Source https://indianexpress.com/
