At the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships held in New Delhi, India’s Deepthi Jeevanji bagged the silver medal in the Women’s 400m T20 event on September 27.
Jeevanji clocked a season-best time of 55.16 seconds to finish second behind Turkiye’s Aysel Onder, who set a new world record. This medal marks India’s third on the opening day and adds to the country’s rising prominence in para athletics.
Officials and coaches celebrated Jeevanji’s perseverance, highlighting her as an inspiration for aspiring para-athletes across India.
A Season-Best Run to Glory
Deepthi Jeevanji, a 22-year-old para-sprinter from Telangana, demonstrated exceptional determination in the Women’s 400m T20 final, delivering a season-best timing of 55.16 seconds. Though she finished behind Aysel Onder, who smashed the world record with a time of 54.51 seconds, Jeevanji’s performance was hailed as stellar.
An official from the Paralympic Committee of India said, “Deepthi’s relentless passion and commitment shine through her race, making her a beacon for young athletes with intellectual impairments.” The committee posted on instagram saying, “A moment of pride, passion, and perseverance.”
Jeevanji had secured her place in the final with a strong qualifying run, posting 58.35 seconds in the heats. Her coaches and family expressed immense pride, recognising the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice.
Building India’s Para Athletics Legacy
Deepthi’s silver adds to India’s growing list of achievements in para athletics on the global stage. Hosting the prestigious championships signals India’s commitment to promoting para sports. Jeevanji, who won bronze in the Women’s 400m T20 at the 2024 Paris Paralympics and holds previous world and Asian records, has steadily risen as a trailblazer for intellectually impaired athletes.
Her earlier victories, including a gold at the 2023 Asian Para Games with a record time, underscore her status as a leading figure in the sport. The opening day also saw Indian success from Shailesh Kumar, who secured gold in the men’s high jump T63 with a championship and Asian record, reinforcing India’s competitive edge.
Support from coaches, family, and organisations like the Gopichand-Mytrah Foundation played a key role in her rise. The Government of Telangana recognised her contributions with a ₹1 crore cash prize, a government job, and land.
Deepthi herself credits her success to the unwavering backing of her parents, mentors, and sponsors. As she looks forward to the 2028 Paralympics, she is focused on harder training and aiming for gold, embodying the spirit of perseverance and ambition.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Deepthi Jeevanji’s achievement transcends sporting success; it is a powerful testament to inclusion, resilience, and the transformative potential of sport. Her story encourages society to deepen its support for para-athletes through better infrastructure, equitable funding, and broader visibility.
Celebrations of such victories must be coupled with sustained efforts to empower all differently-abled athletes to realise their aspirations. The Logical Indian believes promoting equality in sports reflects the values of kindness, empathy, and coexistence that are essential to a harmonious society.
DEEPTHI JEEVANJI WINS THE WORLD SILVER! 🥈
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) September 27, 2025
India's 3rd Medal at World Para Athletics C'ship pic.twitter.com/vrLb9uAZXf
