Deepa Malik : Want to use this medal to support women with disabilities
Deepa Malik became the first female Indian athlete to win a medal at the Paralympics on Monday when she bagged the silver medal in the women's shot put F-53 event in Rio. She also won the medal by throwing her personal best of 4.61 metres.
When the Indian Paralympics contingent of the 19 athletes left for Rio earlier this month, Deepa Malik was already an inspiration to many with to her multiple talents. She is a Javelin-thrower, a swimmer, and also a big bike junkie. She became the first female athlete from India to qualify for the women's shot put F53 event in the Paralympics in Rio and thus becoming the first female athlete to represent the country in Paralympics.
Immediately after winning the silver medal at the event, Malik told IANS that she wishes to use the medal win to help women with disabilities in India.
"I want to use this medal to support women with disabilities in India,” she told.
At 45 years, Deepa is also the oldest among the Indian Paralympic contingent in Rio.
“This journey has been wonderful for me and my entire family, I am proud to be the oldest athlete in the team and win a medal," she said.
Bahrain's Nedham Fatema won the gold medal with a throw of 4.76m while Greece's Korokida Dimitra finished third with a 4.28m throw in the women's shot put F-53 event.