Deepthi Jeevanji Wins Second Para Asiad Gold

India’s Deepthi Jeevanji continued her impressive run on the continental stage, winning her second consecutive gold medal in the women’s 400m T20 event at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, on Tuesday. The 23-year-old clocked a Games record time of 56.36 seconds to reaffirm her dominance in the event.

Deepthi Breaks Games Record to Claim Gold

Deepthi, who also holds the Asian record, finished comfortably ahead of Japan’s Niina Kanno, who took silver in 58.92 seconds. Kanno’s compatriot Akane Kato secured bronze with a timing of 1 minute and 0.26 seconds.

The Telangana athlete is a two-time Para World Championships medallist and won gold at the 2024 edition. She also clinched a Paralympic bronze medal in the same event.

The T20 classification is for athletes with intellectual impairments, which can affect information processing, concentration and the execution of race strategies.

From Telangana Village to International Glory

Hailing from a remote village in Warangal district, Deepthi comes from a farming family. Her parents are small farmers who also worked as labourers to support their livelihood.

Her running talent was first identified by a physical education teacher at her school. She later received support from badminton legend Pullela Gopichand, whose suggestion led to her undergoing an assessment for intellectual disability in Hyderabad.

Deepthi’s rise in international athletics has highlighted her determination and the crucial role played by her parents. Despite facing taunts from fellow villagers for supporting their daughter’s ambitions, they continued to stand by her sporting journey.

Her latest gold medal further strengthens India’s campaign at the Asian Para Games 2026.