Deepthi Jeevanji Wins Bronze at Paralympics and Receives Warm Welcome in Hyderabad

Paralympic bronze medallist Deepthi Jeevanji received a warm welcome at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad. The 21-year-old athlete won the bronze medal in the women's 400m T20 final at the ongoing Paralympics in Paris.

Deepthi was quick off the blocks but finished behind Ukraine's Yuliia Shuliar and Turkey's Aysel Onder. She clocked 55.82s in a race decided by narrow margins. Yuliia won gold with 55.16s, and Aysel took silver with 55.23s.

Speaking to reporters, Deepthi expressed her happiness with the support from citizens and requested a job and land from the government. She said, "I am happy to see the support I am getting. Now, my goal is to get a job and take care of my parents...My coaches also worked very hard. I appeal to the government to give me a govt job and land."

Deepthi's father, Jeevanji Yadhagiri, thanked the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for their support. He said, "Deepthi has brought recognition to our country. We are proud of her. We thank the Sports Authority for all the support they have given. Deepthi had aimed for the gold medal, but due to health problems, she won bronze. We wish that the government would give her a job."

Deepthi made her way into the final with a sensational run in the qualification round, finishing first in her women's 400m-T20 round 1 with 55.45s. Ukraine's Yuliia Shuliar and Brazil's Antonia Keyla Da Silva Barros also qualified for the final.