KIYG 2023: Javelin Dynamo Deepika Continues Record-Breaking Streak Inspired By Neeraj Chopra

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Bangaon, a serene village in Haryana's Fatehabad district with a population of around 5,000, is earning the moniker "Mini Finland of Haryana" among athletics coaches due to its remarkable success in javelin throw competitions.

One of its shining stars is 17-year-old Deepika, who recently broke her own record at the Khelo India Youth Games in Chennai, securing the gold medal with a throw of 56.79m. Deepika, a participant in her fourth Khelo India Youth Games, is part of the Government of India's Khelo India scholarship scheme since 2022.

Guiding Deepika's success is her coach, Hanuman Singh, who empowers his athletes to express themselves on the field. While Deepika excels in breaking javelin records, off the field, she responds to questions with smiles and giggles.

When asked about her secret to consistent record-breaking performances, Deepika playfully defers to her coach, who attributes her success to hard work and discipline.

Choosing javelin as a career path in a state that offers various sports for women like boxing, wrestling, and hockey, Deepika's decision was influenced by the success of her hero, Neeraj Chopra. Despite her achievements, Deepika maintains a humble demeanor. Her coach explains her short hair, stating it's a condition for joining the academy, aiding in training.

Deepika's journey at the Khelo India Youth Games began with a silver in Guwahati in 2020, followed by three gold medals in subsequent events. Her remarkable progress includes breaking records in Panchkula with a 51.37m throw and surpassing it with a 55.19m distance in the Bhopal Games.

Humble Beginnings

While Bangaon lacks a nearby synthetic track, Hanuman Singh initiated his coaching academy in an abandoned chicken farm. Since 2010, he has produced numerous record-breaking athletes. The turning point in his coaching career came in 2017 when Jyoti, a trainee, secured the U-20 gold at the Junior Nationals, inspiring others to follow suit.

Deepika, the daughter of a local farmer and a neighbor to the academy, started with the simplest of resources, yet she now boasts multiple records at the Khelo India Youth Games and is set to compete in the Khelo India University Games in Guwahati.