"The celebration of para-sports has now begun'' - Deepa Malik on Paris 2024 Paralympics

Deepa Malik, India's first woman Paralympic medalist, had a glittering smile on her face, talking about the growth of para-sports in India. Malik, a celebrated Indian para-shot put athlete, has previously served as the president of the Paralympic Committee of India.

Deepa, who won a historic silver medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, feels that para-sports have progressed since her feat. She spoke to Sportskeeda at the send of ceremony for India's Paralympics contingent in Delhi. Malik expressed pride in sending a huge Indian contingent to Paris 2024 Paralympics.

"It feels after much care and attention of four years, a baby is born. The celebration of para-sports has now begun. From a contingent of 2 in Beijing to 12 in London..and now 84 in Paris, we have grown many folds. This fills me with pride," Deepa said.

The 53-year-old went on to share her expectations from the Indian contingent at the Games in Paris. She also spoke on the changes she notices in the attention to para-sports in India.

"All 84 are winners by beating their disabilities to shine. If they replicate their performances on home grounds, there will be plenty of medals," she said, adding,"I now see course books having chapters on us. I have seen competitive exams having questions on para-athletes,"

Deepa Malik, who retired in 2020, misses her time as an athlete. However, she feels, its now time, for her to give back to sports.

"I would have continued, but, at some point you have to give it back to sports. Every sportsperson must give back and I feel it is time for me to give back in a different role."

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"Even mother's have started playing sports" - Deepa Malik on the rise of female representation in para-sports

Deepa Malik is proud that she was able to contribute to a revolution that now see's more females in para-sports. She expressed that she never saw a female competing in a wheelchair, however, it has since all changed.

"I never saw a wheelchair with a woman para-athlete. Post Rio, women saw what difference their achievement can make to their lives, more families understood the value for para-sports. Now you have fathers bringing daughters. Even mothers have started playing and it’s beautiful," Said Deepa.

Deepa Malik also spoke about how her being a para-athlete helped her improve her mental wellbeing.

"My struggle was to change my identity in the eyes of the people. I never wanted the sympathy. Once, I got myself into sports, I realised my body was strengthening up. Also, sports gave me a purpose and winning medals strengthened my voice," she concluded.