PTI
Rio de Janeiro, Sept 13: The first Indian woman to clinch a Paralympic medal, a thrilled Deepa Malik stated that her F-53 shot put silver is a result of being daring enough to dream.
“I dared to dream and I have determination to work hard and the passion and perseverance to follow that dream. Women often lose that and I have ensured that my family is not neglected, my children are doing well too,” Deepa, who has undergone 31 surgeries and 183 stitches to correct her spinal tumour, stated.
“I am very happy to win this medal and I am so glad that I could do this for my country. I really want to thank my coaches and my trainers, SAI and the sports ministry for funding my training so beautifully.
“I also want to thank my husband for being my skill trainer and my daughters for being my strength and motivation. I am so eager to come back to India,” she added.
Deepa had won national and international medals in swimming, before switching to athletics in 2009.
“I was the first biker, first swimmer, first rallyist and I am going to be the first Paralympian women’s medallist. This is huge. I dedicate this medal to my country, my daughters, my husband, my trainer, I am so excited,” gushed the 45-year-old.
In 2009 Deepa became the first person with paraplegia to ride in one of the world’s highest and most difficult motor rallies in the Himalayas.
Deepa hoped that her achievements would inspire others to beat adversity. “This (medal) is very significant. I hope my journey and the medal can serve as an inspiration for differently-abled individuals to break out from their social boundaries and pursue their dreams,” she asserted.
“I remember when I first had the tumour all those years back, people thought I would be restricted to my house throughout my life with servants looking after my daily chores. But that never happened,” she added.
India lauds Deepa deed
After Deepa Malik became the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic medal, the whole country took to the social media to congratulate here. Here’s what they had to say.
Narendra Modi: Well done @ Deepa Athlete! Your silver at the #Paralympics makes the nation very proud. Congratulations. #Rio 2016.
Sachin Tendulkar: Many Congratulations @Deepa Athlete for your phenomenal performance at the # Paralympics.. Here’s to many more victories!
Abhinav Bindra: Many many congratulations @Deepa Athlete. You are an inspiration to india ! Congrats also to @Go Sports Voices
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore: Congratulations @Deepa Athlete ! For the # Silver medal.. Great performance ?? Well done #Rio2016.”
Heena Sidhu: Another silver medal for India…. Deepa Malik. It’s strange we had Sakshi Malik and Deepa Karmakar, now we have a new champ, Deepa Malik!
Saina Nehwal: “Congratulations # Deepa Malik #silver medal.
Yogeshwar Dutt: Congratulations to @Deepa Athlete for silver medal at #Paralympics # Rio2016.
Ajinkya Rahane: Congratulations Deepa Malik for winning the silver medal. Many more to come.
Hockey India: Join Hockey India in congratulating @Deepa Athlete for her Silver Medal in Shot Put – F53 at #Rio2016 #Paralympics!
Vijender Singh: Congrats # Deepa Malik for silver medal in #Paralympics Rio 2016.
Cash bonanza
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal congratulated Deepa Malik on becoming the first Indian woman athlete to win medal at Paralympics and also said that as per the government’s policy she would be awarded rupees four crore. In a statement issued late Monday night, the CM said, “I extend my heartiest congratulations to Deepa Malik who made history at Rio and won silver medal. The daughter of Haryana has done the state and the country proud.”