Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardee Deepa Malik: A look at her journey to fame

Deepa, who won 28 international and 68 national medals in various disciplines, is an athlete par excellence. Recognising Deepa's work New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern named her recipient of Sir Edmund Hillary Fellowship 2019.

Hyderabad: Paralympic silver-medallist Deepa Malik has been conferred with Indian sports' most prestigious award Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna. She won it along with star wrestler Bajarang Punia.

Deepa, who won 28 international and 68 national medals in various disciplines, is an athlete par excellence.

Now, have a look at her journey to fame.

• Deepa Malik became 1st Para-Athlete to receive Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna.
• She was born on 30 September 1970 in Sonipat, Haryana.
• Deepa braved chest-below paralysis and spinal tumour treatment for almost 20 years.
• Her fight for life inspired her to launch mission – Ability Beyond Disability.
• Born in a family of army personnel helped her to get back to sports.
• She is the first Indian woman to win silver at the 2016 Paralympics in shot put.
• Deepa is the first-ever Indian female Para-athlete to win an Asian Games and World Championship medal.
• The 48-year-old was also conferred with Padma Shri and Arjuna Award.
• Recognising Deepa's work NZ PM Jacinda Ardern named her recipient of Sir Edmund Hillary Fellowship 2019.
• Deepa is a motivational speaker who has been conferred with IHRC's ‘Exceptional Speaker Award’.
• Till date, she won 23 international medals in swimming, javelin, shot put & discus events.
• Deepa is only Indian woman athlete ever to win medals at 3 successive Asian Games.
• She has been listed as one of the 10 most inspirational women para-athletes of the world by the International Paralympic Committee.
• She is the founder of Wheeling Happiness Foundation that deals with the emotional health of persons with challenges.