Asian Para Games 2026: Deepthi Jeevanji Wins Gold In 400m T20 Category; Sets AR With 56.36 seconds

India's Deepthi Jeevanji clinched the gold medal in the women's 400m T20 event at the Asian Para Games 2026 on Tuesday, delivering a record-breaking performance to strengthen India's campaign at the continental event. The 23-year-old clocked 56.36 seconds to set a new Games record, underlining her standing among the leading athletes in para athletics.

Deepthi finished comfortably ahead of Japan's Niina Kanno, who secured silver in 58.92 seconds. Kanno's compatriot Akane Kato completed the podium, winning bronze in 1 minute and 0.26 seconds. Deepthi's triumph added another significant achievement to her growing international career.

Who Is Deepthi Jeevanji?

Born in Telangana, Deepthi Jeevanji is a leading Indian para-athlete who competes in the T20 category for athletes with intellectual impairments. Her journey in athletics began to take shape at the age of 15, when Sports Authority of India coach N. Ramesh spotted her potential at a state-level athletics meet and began training her.

Deepthi made her international debut at the 2019 Asian Youth Championships in Hong Kong, where she won a bronze medal. She subsequently established herself in domestic athletics, winning gold in both the 100m and 200m events at the Khelo India Youth Games 2020 in Guwahati. Her performances at national junior and youth championships further strengthened her credentials, earning her recognition as a Khelo India Athlete.

Her breakthrough on the international para-athletics stage came at the 2023 Asian Para Games, where she won gold and set new Games and Asian records in the women's 400m T20 event. She reached another milestone at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships, setting a world record of 55.07 seconds.

Deepthi's latest triumph at the Asian Para Games 2026 adds another chapter to her remarkable sporting journey. By combining a Games-record performance with another major international gold medal, the Telangana athlete has continued to showcase her talent and determination, providing a major boost to India's para-athletics campaign.