Deepthi Jeevanji, born on September 27, 2003 in the small village of Kalleda in Telangana’s Warangal district, is on the brink of making history as the first Indian athlete with an intellectual impairment to compete at the Paralympics. Her journey from a modest upbringing to become a world champion is both inspiring and deeply emotional.
Deepthi was raised in a humble household where her parents, Jeevanji Yadhagiri and Jeevanji Dhanalaxmi, worked tirelessly on their half-acre of farmland, supplementing their income as daily wage labourers on neighbouring farms. From an early age, Deepthi faced challenges not only because of her intellectual disability but also due to societal perceptions. Born during a solar eclipse, she was subject to cruel taunts and harsh judgments from villagers and even relatives, who often labelled her with hurtful names. Despite these adversities, Deepthi’s story is one of resilience and the support of her family.
It was in Warangal, during her ninth grade, that Deepthi’s potential was first recognized by her school’s Physical Education Teacher (PET). This encounter would change the course of her life. Her talent caught the eye of Ramesh, the coach of India’s junior team, who took her under his wing. Additionally, the renowned badminton coach Pullela Gopichand played a pivotal role in her development, recommending that she undergo testing at the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities in Hyderabad. After thorough evaluations, she was certified under the intellectually impaired category, officially opening the doors for her participation in para-athletics.
Specialising in the 400 metres T20 run, Deepthi has made a mark on the international stage. In October 2023, she claimed gold at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, setting a new Asian Para record and a Games record with a time of 56.69 seconds, defeating competitors like Thailand’s Orawan Kaising.
Deepthi’s momentum continued as she shattered records at the 2024 Para Athletic World Championships held in Kobe, Japan. On May 20, 2024, she set a world record in the 400m T20 category, clocking an incredible 55.06 seconds, surpassing the previous record held by American athlete Breanna Clark. This achievement secured her qualification for the Paris 2024 Paralympics, where she is set to represent India on the biggest stage.
Her path to the Paralympics was further solidified through her performance at the Indian U20 Federation Cup, where she secured a Paris Paralympics quota with a second-place finish in the 100m (Category F) event. Earlier in May 2024, she had already proven her dominance by winning two gold medals at the All-India Inter-University Championships in Bhubaneshwar, which led to her selection for the World Paralympic Championships in Kobe.
Reflecting on her journey, Deepthi’s mother, Dhanalaxmi, shared with The Indian Express, “When she was born, many people told us she wouldn’t amount to anything, calling her names and suggesting we abandon her. But today, seeing her become a world champion shows how special she truly is.”
Deepthi Jeevanji’s story is not just about breaking records. It’s about breaking barriers, defying expectations, and proving that with determination and support, one can overcome any obstacle. As she prepares for the Paris Paralympics, her journey stands as an inspiration for countless others.