From Warangal Fields to World Records: Deepthi Jeevanji’s Inspiring Rise

New From a small village in Telangana to the global sporting stage, para-athlete Deepthi Jeevanji has scripted one of the most remarkable success stories in Indian sports.

Born on September 27, 2003, in Kalleda village, Warangal district, Deepthi grew up in a modest household. Her parents owned just half an acre of land and worked as farm labourers to sustain the family. It was during her school years that her physical education teacher spotted her raw athletic talent when she was in Class 9.

Her breakthrough came in 2023, when she set a new meet record at the Asian Para Games. The following year, she stunned the sporting world by breaking the T20 400m world record with a blistering time of 55.06 seconds. At the 2024 Paralympics, she added a bronze medal to her name, bringing glory to the nation.

Deepthi’s career took a decisive turn when badminton legend Pullela Gopichand recommended that she be evaluated for intellectual disability. Following assessments at the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities in Hyderabad, she was officially classified as a para-athlete, opening the gateway to international competitions.

On January 17, 2025, Deepthi’s extraordinary journey reached a new milestone when she received the Arjuna Award from President Droupadi Murmu at the National Sports Awards Ceremony in New Delhi.

From the farmlands of Warangal to the world’s fastest tracks, Deepthi Jeevanji hasn’t just run races, she has rewritten history.