Paralympics: Telangana awards Deepthi Jeevanji Rs 1 crore, plot in Warangal

The Telangana government on Saturday, September 7, announced a slew of awards for Paralympian Deepthi Jeevanji. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy appreciated Jeevavji’s inspiring journey and bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics and awarded her a cash prize of Rs 1 crore and a 4,500 sq ft plot in Warangal. Jeevanji was also given a Group 2 government job.

The event took place at the CM’s residence in Jubilee Hills and was attended by MP Porika Balram, Member of Legislative Assembly K R Nagaraju, Telangana Sports Authority (SAAT) Shiva Sena chairman and other senior officials.

Deepthi Jeevanji won India’s third medal in track and field at the Paralympic Games in Paris on September 3. The world champion sprinter won bronze in the women’s T20 400m final with a time of 55.82 seconds. Jeevanji started the final brilliantly with a blistering reaction time of 0.164 seconds and finished strongly behind Ukraine’s Julia Shuliar and Turkish world record holder Aysel Onder.

Jeevanji, who won gold in the Para Asian Games and World Championships, was 0.66 seconds behind the gold medalist. She recovered and was in second position for most of the last third of her sprint, but was overtaken in the last few strides by Turkey’s Aysel. Before Jeevanji, Preethi Pal of India won two bronze medals in the women’s T35 100m and 200m sprints.

Deepthi Jeevanji’s Bronze Win: How It Happened

Apart from Deepthi, a prize of Rs 10 lakh has also been reserved for her coach Nagapuri Ramesh. An official press release through the CMO Telangana Twitter account said that the CM wants better training facilities for disabled athletes and other sportspeople.

Deepthi’s early life was marked by financial hardships and social prejudice. Her parents, Jeevanji Yadhagiri and Jeevanji Dhanalaxmi, were casual labourers who had to sell their half-acre of agricultural land to make ends meet. Deepthi’s intellectual disability initially drew ridicule from her community, with some even suggesting she be sent to an orphanage. However, her parents stood by her and their support played a crucial role in her eventual success.

Deepthi’s athletic talent was first spotted by the Physical Education Teacher (PET) at her school in Warangal. Coach Nagpuri Ramesh, who had previously trained Dutee Chand, saw her potential and encouraged her parents to send her to Hyderabad for training. Despite initial hesitation due to financial constraints, Ramesh provided Deepthi with the necessary support, even bearing the cost of her bus fare to Hyderabad.