Deepthi Jeevanji’s Journey: Overcoming Adversity on Path to Paris Paralympics 2024

Deepthi Jeevanji earned a bronze medal for India in the women’s 400m T20 final at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Despite not achieving her personal best, she finished just behind Ukraine’s Yuliia Shuliar (55.16 seconds). Turkey’s world record holder Aysel Onder (55.23 seconds), securing a significant victory for her country. Her achievement is especially remarkable given the adversity she faced. Including ridicule from neighbors who mocked her intellectual impairment and even suggested her parents send her to an orphanage. Nonetheless, Deepthi’s parents steadfastly supported her throughout.

Deepthi Jeevanji Triumphs with Bronze at Paris Paralympics 2024 Amidst Personal Challenges

Deepthi Jeevanji clinched the bronze medal in the women’s 400m T20 final at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Finishing just behind Ukraine’s Yuliia Shuliar and Turkey’s Aysel Onder. Although she fell short of her personal best, her performance was a remarkable achievement for India. The medal is especially significant considering the severe challenges Deepthi faced throughout her life. Including harsh ridicule from neighbors who mocked her intellectual impairment and even suggested her parents abandon her. Despite these adversities, Deepthi’s focus on her sport and the unwavering support from her family played a crucial role in her success.

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Inspiring Journey of Deepthi and Her Family’s Unwavering Support

Deepthi’s parents, Jeevanji Yadhagiri and Jeevanji Dhanalaxmi, stood by her side despite financial hardships and societal pressures. They were advised to send Deepthi to an orphanage due to their financial situation and her condition. They chose to support her instead. Their sacrifices included selling family land to support Deepthi’s training, but she repaid their faith by winning medals and later buying back the land with her earnings from the Asian Games. Her mother recalled how Deepthi was subjected to ridicule due to her appearance and cognitive challenges. But her triumphs on the international stage now stand as a testament to her resilience and extraordinary abilities.

“When my father-in-law passed away, we were forced to sell the farm to make ends meet. My husband earned just Rs 100 or Rs 150 a day, so there were times when I had to work to support our family, including Deepthi’s younger sister, Amulya. Deepthi was always a quiet and calm child. She would often come home in tears after being teased by the village children. To comfort her, I would make her sweet rice or, on some days, chicken, which brought her some happiness.”

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