India's Deepthi Jeevanji Sets World Record to Win Gold in 400m T20 at World Para Championships

Deepthi Jeevanji Breaks Previous Record with a Stunning Time of 55.07 Seconds in Kobe, Japan

India's Deepthi Jeevanji clinched the gold medal with a world record time of 55.07 seconds in the women's 400m T20 category at the World Para Athletics Championships held at Kobe Universiade Memorial Stadium in Japan on Monday.

Para Asian Games gold medallist Deepthi shattered the previous world record of 55.12 seconds set by American Breanna Clark during last year's championships in Paris. Aysel Onder of Turkey secured second place with a time of 55.19 seconds, while Lizanshela Angulo of Ecuador took third with 56.68 seconds on the fourth day of competition.

The 20-year-old Deepthi qualified for the final after winning her heat race in an Asian record time of 56.18 seconds on Sunday.

The T20 category is designated for athletes with intellectual impairments.

Who is Deepthi Jeevanji?

Born to daily wage labourer parents in Kalleda village, Warangal district of Telangana, Deepthi had previously won the 400m T20 gold at the Hangzhou Asian Games last year, setting the then Asian record of 56.69 seconds.

Remarkably, Deepthi has competed alongside able-bodied athletes in both junior and senior championships, securing several medals. She last competed in an able-bodied senior event at the 2022 National Inter-State Championships in Chennai, running the 100m and 200m races. In 2021, she won a bronze in the 200m at the National Senior Inter-State Championships in Patiala. She also claimed a 200m bronze in the 2019 Asian U18 Championships (able-bodied) with a time of 24.78 seconds.

More Success for India

In addition to Deepthi's victory, Yogesh Kathuniya added a silver in the men's F56 category discus throw with an effort of 41.80 meters. The F56 category includes athletes who compete in field events from a seated position due to various impairments such as amputations and spinal cord injuries.

Later in the day, Bhagyashri Mahavrao Jadhav secured a silver in the women's shot put F34 class with a throw of 7.56 meters. The F34 category is for field athletes with minor trunk and arm impairments and significant leg impairments.

India's medal tally at the championships now stands at five, comprising 1 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze medals. On Sunday, Nishad Kumar (T47 high jump) and Preethi Pal (T35 200m race) won a silver and bronze respectively.

The World Para Athletics Championships will continue until May 25. Congratulations to Deepthi Jeevanji for her outstanding achievement and for bringing glory to India once again!

Reference:

www.msn.com