Deepthi Jeevanji wins second consecutive Para Asiad gold with Games record

Deepthi Jeevanji claimed her second successive Asian Para Games gold medal in the women's 400m T20 category on Tuesday, clocking a Games record time of 56.36 seconds in the process. The Telangana-based sprinter's dominant performance underscores her status as Asia's leading athlete in the classification.

The 23-year-old's credential in the event are formidable. She holds the continental record and captured gold at the 2024 Para World Championships, becoming a two-time medalist at that competition. Jeevanji also earned a bronze medal at the Paralympic Games in the same event, demonstrating her consistency on the global stage.

Japan's Niina Kanno secured the silver medal with a time of 58.92 seconds, while her compatriot Akane Kato claimed bronze in 1:00.26 seconds. The T20 classification encompasses athletes with intellectual impairments, who face particular challenges with information processing, concentration, and the execution of race tactics.

Hailing from a remote village in Warangal district, Jeevanji's journey to becoming a para-athlete began with the discovery of her running talent by a school physical education teacher. Her parents, small farmers who also worked as labourers in their village, have supported her rise through the ranks of competitive athletics.