India's Deepthi Jeevanji Sets World Record, Wins Gold at World Para Athletics Championships

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Kobe (Japan), May 20: India's Deepthi Jeevanji clinched the gold medal in the women's 400m T20 category race at the World Para Athletics Championships here on Monday (May 20).

Deepthi achieved a world record time of 55.07 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 55.12 seconds set by American Breanna Clark at last year's championships in Paris.

Deepthi Jeevanji Creates World Record

The T20 category is designated for athletes with intellectual impairments, and Deepthi's performance has marked a significant milestone in the history of para athletics. Her remarkable victory came after she had already showcased her exceptional talent by winning her heat race on Sunday with an Asian record time of 56.18 seconds.

In the final, Aysel Onder of Turkey finished second with a time of 55.19 seconds, while Lizanshela Angulo of Ecuador secured the third position with a time of 56.68 seconds. This victory not only demonstrates Deepthi's outstanding athletic ability but also places India prominently on the global stage of para athletics.

Adding to India's success, Yogesh Kathuniya secured a silver medal in the men's F56 category discus throw with an impressive throw of 41.80 meters. The F56 category includes athletes who compete in field events from a seated position, accommodating those with various impairments such as amputations and spinal cord injuries.

India's medal tally at the championships has now reached four, including one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. On Sunday, Nishad Kumar won a silver medal in the T47 high jump, and Preethi Pal earned a bronze in the T35 200m race.

The World Para Athletics Championships, set to continue until May 25, have already proven to be a platform for exceptional performances and inspiring stories of triumph. As the event progresses, India's athletes are poised to achieve even more, demonstrating their resilience and competitive spirit on the world stage.