BEYOND BARRIERS Deepthi Jeevanji

A 20-year-old from Andhra Pradesh, wins gold at the World Athletics Para Championships. Her remarkable journey, marked by a new world record in the 400m T20 event, highlights her indomitable spirit

- MILIND DHAMDHERE

Children with disabilities or physical challenges are often marginalised by society. However, some defy these odds and bring pride to the nation through their achievements in sports. One such exceptional individual is Deepthi Jeevanji, who recently clinched the gold medal at the World Athletics Para Championships. Not only did she secure the title in the 400-metre running event, but she also set a new world record and qualified for the Paralympics.

Born with an intellectual disability, 20-year-old Deepthi from Andhra Pradesh recorded a time of 55.07 seconds in the women’s T20 400m final. This outstanding performance broke the previous world record of 55.12 seconds set by the USA’s Breanna Clark. Deepthi’s illustrious career includes seven international medals, five of which are gold. Additionally, she boasts 31 medals from national-level competitions, including 18 golds.

At birth, Deepthi faced significant challenges. She had an unusually small head, and her lips and nose were slightly abnormal. Diagnosed with a cognitive disorder that affected her communication and adaptive skills, she was often stigmatised. Villagers attributed her disabilities to being born during a solar eclipse. Relatives and neighbours cruelly referred to her as “mentally retarded” or compared her to a monkey, even suggesting her parents place her in an orphanage.

The Struggle

Despite the harsh criticism, her parents embraced her as a gift from God and were determined to support her. Recognising her potential, they encouraged her to pursue sports. At RDF School, P. Venkateshwarlu began training her in athletics. Deepthi’s participation in school meets and local tournaments marked the beginning of her successful journey. Her achievements at district and junior state levels further motivated her to pursue a career in sports.