Deepa Malik
About
As the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic medal, Deepa Malik is the first paraplegic Indian Woman Biker, Swimmer, Car Rallyist, Social activist, Entrepreneur and Motivational Speaker. Deepa Malik , a super para-athlete, is living proof that no matter what the odds, determined courage and persistence can make one a true winner.
After being diagnosed with a spinal tumour in 1999, she underwent 3 spinal surgeries and got 183 stitches between her shoulder blades in a period of 14 years leaving her paralyzed below the waist. Deepa Malik refused to be bogged down by her condition and set on a challenging path to pursue a career in sports at the age of 36.
She continued to strive for higher challenges – be it riding the highest motorable roads of Ladakh or diving into swimming and car rallying. She is the first physically challenged individual from India to receive an official rally license from the Federation Motor Sports Club of India (FMSCI) & become a navigator & driver in the toughest car rallies of the country-- Raid-de-Himalaya (2009) & Desert Storm (2010).
Founder of ‘Wheeling Happiness Foundation’, ambassador for ‘’Clean India and consultant for ‘Disability Inclusive Accessible Infrastructure’, Deepa fights for sustainability, diversity and inclusion.
She is currently the President of the Paralympic Committee of India and brand ambassador for Government initiatives like Swachch Bharat; Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao; Jaago Grahak Jaago, Khelo India & the Fit India Movement to name a few.
Awards and Accomplishments
Awards and Accomplishments
Deepa Malik scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a medal in the Paralympic games. She won a silver in Shot Put in the 2016 Rio Olympics
With a count of 23 international medals and 68 national & state level medals in swimming, javelin, shot put & discus events, Deepa Malik has been listed as one of the 10 most inspirational women para-athletes of the world by International Paralympic Committee.
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2018
Bronze medal Asian Para Games
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2019
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
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2017
Padma Shri Award
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2014
President Role Model Award
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2012
Arjuna Award
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First Ladies Award
Ministry of Women & Child Development
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Holds four Limca World records in Adventure Sports
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Holds a world record in open river swimming for swimming across the Yamuna River for 1km against the current.
In recognition of her efforts, Deepa Malik has been selected as the Sir Edmund Hillary Prime Minister’s Fellow for New Zealand for 2019 by PM Jacinda Ardern, to strengthen bilateral friendly relations between the people of India and New Zealand.
She is the first Indian to receive the International Women’s Day Recognition from the International Paralympic Committee for her contribution to advancing disability sports for women in India.
Why Deepa Malik?
Considered one of the best motivational speakers in India, Deepa has given empowering and moving speeches at numerous events like the National Convention of Company Secretaries and Illuminati 2019, on the theme ‘Against All Odds’. Deepa who brilliantly structures the content for her audience makes her talks super energetic and inspirational.
She has also appeared on the popular Indian TV game show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ on the occasion of International Day of the Girl Child, 2019
As an embodiment of determination and perseverance, she continues to pave the way for differently-abled athletes, and prove that our physical challenges should never define us.
With her inspiring story, Deepa motivates her audience to take charge of their personal transformation and life journey.
