She invaded in the world of deep-rooted stigma and conquered it like a pro. Indian sports star, Deepa Malik became the first Para athlete to endorse a soft drink brand in the country.
The ecstatic Paralympian announced it on April 29, tweeting:
Deepa Malik caught the limelight after she scripted history by clinching a silver medal in the shot put F-53 event for India at Rio Paralympics last year, becoming the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Paralympics. Not only had the first woman, but Malik emerged as India’s oldest athlete to ever win a medal at the Paralympics too. Earlier, she became the first female athlete to represent India at the Paralympics, since the country’s debut at the Games in 1968.
“I want to use this medal to support women with disabilities in India.” – Malik told IANS back then.
READ: A Biker, Swimmer and now a Silver Medalist at Rio Paralympics: This is Deepa Malik’s story
The 45-year-old Malik is restaurateur with a social cause, was a former beauty queen, is an accomplished swimmer on the international platform and an adventure sports player, and now a real biker.
An Arjuna Awardee in 2012, Deepa also has been the Asian record holder in javelin throw and has World Championships silver medals in shot put and discus in 2011.
READ OUR INTERVIEW: Don’t Wait For The Change, Be The Change: Deepa Malik
She is certainly an example of ‘Ability beyond Disability’. A three-times Limca Book of World Records holder and her performance is noted in many sports other than shot put. To her credit she has 54 national gold medals and 13 international medals.
A big salute to Deepa’s never-ending efforts and never-say-die spirit!
ALSO READ: Sportswomen Who Made India Proud In 2016
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