The World of Limitless Possibilities
Ever wondered what happens when incredible
athletes defy the odds and showcase their
exceptional skills on a global stage? Well, enter
the world of Paralympic Games, a thrilling
celebration of resilience, and extraordinary talent
of athletes with locomotor, sensory, or intellectual
disabilities. Paralympics go beyond competition,
to quell stereotypes and redefine possibilities.
ability to
recover
quickly from
difÏcult
circumstances
quell:
to overcome
locomotor:
related to
bones, joints,
or muscles
Bharat’s debut in the Paralympics dates back to
1968, and the first medal was clinched in swimming
in 1972. Since then, many Indian Paralympians
have brought incredible honour to our country.
One such Paralympian, Dr. Deepa Malik, a Khel
Ratna, Arjuna, and Padma Shri Awardee, has left an
indelible mark on innumerable aspiring athletes.
Read the following interview.
Interviewer:
Namaste,
ma’am!
It
is
my privilege to have this
opportunity
to
meet
a
famous personality in the
world of Paralympics, such
as you.
Dr. Malik:
Namaste! Believe me, I’m
truly honoured.
Interviewer:
You’ve been listed as one of
the 10 most inspirational
women
para-athletes
globally
by the International Paralympic
Committee. How did you brave
the odds to be who you are
today?
Dr. Malik:
I was 29, an awful tragedy struck
me when I was diagnosed with
spine tumour. I underwent a
surgery, but misfortune raised
its ugly head again. The doctors
declared that I would be bound
to a wheelchair for the rest of my
life, as I was paralysed waist down.
I had two choices—squander my
life in remorse or transform it to
a world of limitless possibilities.
I love sports and had been a
swimmer too, so I decided to
switch to para-athletics. This is how
my Paralympics journey began.
My breakthrough moment came
in the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games,
when I secured the silver medal in
the shot-put event. In hindsight, I
feel it was a moment of personal
victory and a step forward in
changing perceptions.
Interviewer:
You’re a trailblazer—the first ever
Indian female para-athlete to win
an Asian Games medal in athletics.
You’re also India’s first ever female
Paralympics medallist across any
sport and the list of ‘firsts’ is never
ending. You’ve been bestowed with
several coveted awards too. What
do these accomplishments mean
to you?
Dr. Malik:
I truly appreciate these accolades
that have been showered on me.
These achievements are a testimony
to my belief that physical limitations
don’t
define
one’s
potential.
Moreover, I’m a proponent of the
school of thought, ‘ability beyond
disability’.
Interviewer:
That’s incredible. Could you share
something about the challenges
you faced in your journey and how
you overcame them?
Dr. Malik:
One of the significant challenges
for me was societal perceptions.
trailblazer:
pioneer or
leader
accolades:
praise and
honours
coveted:
strongly
desired by
many
proponent:
a person
who speaks
in support of
a particular
idea or action
People often underestimated my
abilities. Overcoming this required
not only physical strength but
also mental resilience. I embraced
challenges as opportunities to prove
my capabilities. The support of my
family, coupled with my fortitude,
allowed me to turn obstacles into
stepping stones.
Interviewer:
Your story is indeed a testament to
the power of determination. How do
you believe sports and Paralympics
can
contribute
to
challenging
societal stereotypes? What has
been the impact of Paralympics in
your life?
Dr. Malik:
Honestly, I feel sports, especially
Paralympics, have the extraordinary
ability to challenge stereotypes and
change attitudes towards disability.
When people witness the strength,
skill, and competitive spirit of
para-athletes,
it
breaks
down
preconceived notions. Paralympics
has given me a new lease of life and
helped me push boundaries. It has
made me what I am today. It has
made me realise that individuals
with disabilities can be as capable,
if not more than their able-bodied
counterparts.
Interviewer:
Beyond
the
medals,
you’ve
become vocal for inclusivity and
accessibility. How do you see your
role in advocating for disability
rights and inclusivity?
Dr. Malik:
Advocacy is integral to my mission.
I strongly believe in working
for the cause of strengthening
the emotional health of persons
with challenges and empowering
women through outdoor sports and
adventure activities. I also support
persons from lower socio–economic
strata
and
provide
equipment
to para sportspersons. I believe
youth is the voice of tomorrow.
So, we organise disability sports
awareness and advocacy sessions
at various schools and colleges.
My goal is to contribute to create a
society where everyone, regardless
of ability, is treated with dignity
and given a fair chance to succeed.
Interviewer:
Lastly, what advice do you have
for individuals facing challenges
or setbacks, especially those with
disabilities, who aspire to achieve
their goals?
Dr. Malik:
I would say, every setback is an
opportunity to prove your strength.
Surround yourself with a support
system, believe in yourself, and
let your journey inspire others.
Remember, disability is not a
limitation; it’s a unique strength
waiting to be unleashed.
Interviewer:
Thank
you
for
sharing
insights. Your story is undoubtedly
inspirational.
Dr. Malik:
Thank you for having me! It’s been
a pleasure.
unleashed:
release of
something
powerful that
cannot be
controlled
Nine Gold Medals
1. The athletes had come from all over the country
To run for the gold, for the silver, and bronze
Many weeks and months of training
All coming down to these games.
2. The spectators gathered around the old field
To cheer on all the young women and men
The final event of the day was approaching
Excitement was high to begin.
3. The blocks were all lined up for those who
would use them
The hundred-yard dash and the race to be run
These were nine resolved athletes in the back
of the starting line
Poised for the sound of the gun.
4. The signal was given, the pistol exploded
And so did the runners all charging ahead
But the smallest among them, he stumbled
and staggered
And fell to the asphalt instead.
5. He gave out a cry of frustration and anguish
His dreams and his efforts dashed in the dirt
But as sure as I’m standing here telling this story
The same goes for what next occurred.
6. The eight other runners pulled up on their heels
The ones who had trained for so long to compete
One by one they all turned round and went
back to help him
And brought the young boy to his feet.
7. Then all the nine runners joined hands and
continued
The hundred-yard dash now reduced to a walk
And a banner above that said (Special Olympics)
Could not have been more on the mark.
8. That’s how the race ended, with nine gold medals
They came to the finish line holding hands still
And a standing ovation and nine beaming faces
Said more than these words ever will.
David Roth