Paralympics 2024: Deepthi Jeevanji wins Bronze in 400 m T20 Final

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India's Deepthi Jeevanji secured the bronze medal in the Women's 400m T20 final at the Paris Paralympics Games on Tuesday (September 3).

Deepthi clocked a time of 55.82 seconds at the Stade de France and clinched the Bronze medal, thus taking India's medal tally to 16 in the tournament.

Jeevanji's achievement marks India's third track medal in Paralympic history, following Preethi Pal's double bronze last week. Heading into the event, Jeevanji held the world record with a time of 55.04 seconds.

Ukraine's Yuliia Shuliar won gold with a personal best of 55.16 seconds, narrowly beating both Onder and Jeevanji. Onder secured silver with a time of 55.23 seconds.

Earlier in the day, India faced some near misses in other events. Shooter Avani Lekhara finished fifth in the Women's 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 final. Similarly, Bhagyashree Jadhav also placed fifth in the Women's shot put F34 final.

What is T20 Category in Paralympics?

The T20 category in the Paralympics represents intellectual impairment. Athletes with an Intellectual Impairment have limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour. These limitations are generally CNS (Central Nervous System and Brain Functioning) related and thus hinders social and adaptive skills for everyday life.

Hailing from a rural area in the Warangal district of Telangana, Deepthi belongs from a financially weak family. Her father used to work as daily wage labour and the 20-year-old had to overcome a lot of obstacles. She was also supported by Pullela Gopichand, and by his advice, Deepthi's psychological evaluation in Hyderabad confirmed her intellectual impairment.