A TRUE CHAMPION OF COURAGE AND CHANGE
Dr. Deepa Malik has etched her name in India’s sporting legacy—not only as a Paralympic medallist and recipient of the Arjuna Award and Padma Shri but also as an inspirational leader who defied odds and shattered stereotypes. Her journey goes beyond sports; she stands today as a powerful voice of empowerment and a symbol of hope for millions.
Discipline and determination were second nature to Dr. Deepa Malik, shaped early by her upbringing in a military household. Born on 30th September 1970 in Bhainswal, Haryana, she was raised in an environment where courage and resilience weren’t just values—they were a way of life. With her father serving in the Indian Army, Dr. Deepa spent her childhood moving across the country, an experience that broadened her worldview and instilled adaptability. She completed her graduation from Sophia College, Ajmer, all the while nurturing a love for sports and the outdoors. Her independent spirit only grew stronger over the years. After marrying Colonel Bikram Singh Malik, she embraced the role of a mother to two daughters while continuing to live by the same values she was raised with—strength, grace, and a resolve that would later define her life’s extraordinary course.
FINDING STRENGTH IN ADVERSITY
Life took an unexpected turn when Dr. Deepa was diagnosed with a spinal tumour at the age of 29. The diagnosis was devastating, and the surgeries that followed confined her to a wheelchair. But rather than surrender to despair, Dr. Deepa found strength in the struggle. The road ahead was steep—marked by pain, uncertainty, and moments of deep emotional turmoil—but she chose to fight. With grit and grace, she pushed through rehabilitation, not just rebuilding her physical strength but reshaping her purpose. What could have been the end of her journey instead became a powerful new beginning—one that would redefine what it means to rise, thrive, and lead.
SPORTING SPIRIT UNLEASHED
Refusing to let her condition define her, Dr. Deepa turned to sports to reclaim her identity and defy limits. She first broke ground in motorsports, becoming the first Indian woman with paraplegia to complete the gruelling Raid De Himalaya rally. Her fearless entry into this high-risk, male-dominated arena sent a bold message about courage and capability. Not stopping there, she transitioned to para-athletics—taking up javelin, shot put, and discus throw. With years of discipline and relentless training, Dr. Deepa shattered stereotypes, proving that true strength lies not just in the body, but in the will to rise and lead.
LAURELS, RECORDS, AND RECOGNITION
Dr. Deepa’s sporting achievements are nothing short of historic. In 2016, she inscribed her name in history by winning the silver medal in shot put (F53 category) at the Rio Paralympics, becoming the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic medal. Over the years, she amassed more than 50 national medals and 20 international medals across various sports disciplines. She also set several national and Asian records in javelin throw, shot put, and discus throw. Her illustrious career has been adorned with prestigious awards, including the Arjuna Award (2012), Padma Shri (2017), and the President’s Award for Outstanding Performance. Dr. Deepa’s achievements have greatly influenced Indian women and para athletes alike.
A VOICE FOR CHANGE
Beyond her sporting achievements, Dr. Deepa is a strong voice for inclusivity and empowerment. She always voices better policies, accessibility, and support for para-athletes. A sought-after motivational speaker, she inspires diverse audiences with her message of resilience and hope.
