Deepa Malik embarked on her sports career later in life, beginning at the age of 30.
Deepa Malik was born on September 30, 1970, in Bhainswal, Haryana, India, to Veena Nagpal and Bal Krishan Nagpal. Her father served in the Indian Army, and her brother is a brigadier in the same force. At the age of five, Malik was diagnosed with a spinal tumor, requiring three years of treatment and extensive physiotherapy. Despite overcoming this early setback, she faced another significant health challenge at 29 when she was diagnosed with a spinal tumor again. This led to three surgeries, resulting in paralysis from the waist down. Malik spent six years in physiotherapy before developing an interest in sports.
Deepa Malik embarked on her sports career later in life, beginning at the age of 30. Her athletic pursuits initially included swimming and motorcycling. She swam across the River Yamuna and participated in various motor sports events, including the Raid de Himalaya and Desert Storm, showcasing her versatility and resilience.
Deepa Malik made history as the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Paralympic Games. At the 2016 Rio Paralympics, she secured a silver medal in the shot put F53 category, a milestone in Indian Paralympic history. Malik’s achievements extend beyond the Paralympic Games. She has also excelled in various other international competitions:
Asian Para Games 2010, Guangzhou: Bronze medal in javelin throw F33–34–52–53.
Asian Para Games 2014, Incheon: Silver medal in javelin throw F53–54, setting a new Asian record.
Asian Para Games 2018, Jakarta: Two bronze medals in javelin throw F53–54 and discus throw F51–52–53.
In addition, Malik has earned accolades at other prestigious events:
IPC Athletics World Championships 2011, Christchurch: Silver medal in shot put F52–53.
IPC Oceania Asian Championship 2016, Dubai: Gold medal in javelin and silver in shot put.
Apart from her athletic career, Deepa Malik has been actively involved in motor sports. She became one of the first physically challenged individuals in India to receive an official rally license, participating in events like Raid de Himalaya and Desert Storm. Malik’s involvement in motor sports aimed to highlight the potential for individuals with physical disabilities to achieve independence through driving.
Deepa Malik’s contributions to sports and her achievements have been widely recognized. Some of the notable awards she has received include:
Arjuna Award (2012): Given for her outstanding sports achievements.
Padma Shri (2017): One of India’s highest civilian awards.
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2019): The country’s highest sporting honor.
Malik holds national records in various disciplines, including shot put, javelin, and discus, across different categories. Her international accomplishments have made a significant impact on Indian sports.
In 2020, Deepa Malik was elected as the President of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI). Her role in this position involves working towards the development and support of para-athletes. Malik’s focus has shifted to administrative responsibilities, leveraging her experience to enhance the opportunities for para-athletes in India.
Deepa Malik is married to Bikram Singh Malik, a former colonel in the Indian Army. The couple shares a passion for sports, which was a significant factor in their relationship. They have two daughters. Malik also opened a restaurant in Ahmednagar to provide employment opportunities for underprivileged youths, further reflecting her commitment to social causes.
Deepa Malik’s career and achievements underscore her significant contributions to sports, both as an athlete and as an administrator. Her legacy continues to influence and inspire the realm of para-athletics in India.
Deepa Malik was born on September 30, 1970, in Bhainswal, Haryana, India, to Veena Nagpal and Bal Krishan Nagpal. Her father served in the Indian Army, and her brother is a brigadier in the same force. At the age of five, Malik was diagnosed with a spinal tumor, requiring three years of treatment and extensive physiotherapy. Despite overcoming this early setback, she faced another significant health challenge at 29 when she was diagnosed with a spinal tumor again. This led to three surgeries, resulting in paralysis from the waist down. Malik spent six years in physiotherapy before developing an interest in sports.
Deepa Malik embarked on her sports career later in life, beginning at the age of 30. Her athletic pursuits initially included swimming and motorcycling. She swam across the River Yamuna and participated in various motor sports events, including the Raid de Himalaya and Desert Storm, showcasing her versatility and resilience.
Deepa Malik made history as the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Paralympic Games. At the 2016 Rio Paralympics, she secured a silver medal in the shot put F53 category, a milestone in Indian Paralympic history. Malik’s achievements extend beyond the Paralympic Games. She has also excelled in various other international competitions:
Asian Para Games 2010, Guangzhou: Bronze medal in javelin throw F33–34–52–53.
Asian Para Games 2014, Incheon: Silver medal in javelin throw F53–54, setting a new Asian record.
Asian Para Games 2018, Jakarta: Two bronze medals in javelin throw F53–54 and discus throw F51–52–53.
In addition, Malik has earned accolades at other prestigious events:
IPC Athletics World Championships 2011, Christchurch: Silver medal in shot put F52–53.
IPC Oceania Asian Championship 2016, Dubai: Gold medal in javelin and silver in shot put.
Apart from her athletic career, Deepa Malik has been actively involved in motor sports. She became one of the first physically challenged individuals in India to receive an official rally license, participating in events like Raid de Himalaya and Desert Storm. Malik’s involvement in motor sports aimed to highlight the potential for individuals with physical disabilities to achieve independence through driving.
Deepa Malik’s contributions to sports and her achievements have been widely recognized. Some of the notable awards she has received include:
Arjuna Award (2012): Given for her outstanding sports achievements.
Padma Shri (2017): One of India’s highest civilian awards.
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2019): The country’s highest sporting honor.
Malik holds national records in various disciplines, including shot put, javelin, and discus, across different categories. Her international accomplishments have made a significant impact on Indian sports.
In 2020, Deepa Malik was elected as the President of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI). Her role in this position involves working towards the development and support of para-athletes. Malik’s focus has shifted to administrative responsibilities, leveraging her experience to enhance the opportunities for para-athletes in India.
Deepa Malik is married to Bikram Singh Malik, a former colonel in the Indian Army. The couple shares a passion for sports, which was a significant factor in their relationship. They have two daughters. Malik also opened a restaurant in Ahmednagar to provide employment opportunities for underprivileged youths, further reflecting her commitment to social causes.
Deepa Malik’s career and achievements underscore her significant contributions to sports, both as an athlete and as an administrator. Her legacy continues to influence and inspire the realm of para-athletics in India.
