International-level paralympic medallist in shotput and javelin, Deepa Malik arrived in Mandla on Wednesday. Deepa is India’s first woman player to win a silver medal at the year 2016 paralympics, and was in town to attend the concluding ceremony of the Parliamentarian Cup as the chief guest.

Deepa Malik, a source of inspiration for international level and disabled players, was honoured by the district administration at the Yojana Bhawan. Union Minister of State for Steel and Rural Development, Faggan Singh Kulaste, Collector Harshika Singh, Assistant Collector, Agrim Kumar, District Panchayat Vice President, Shailesh Mishra, Bhishma Dwivedi, MP representatives, officers of the concerned departments, school students and sportspersons were present in this program. The departmental officer welcomed the present guests by giving her saplings.

In the honour program, Union Minister of State for Steel, Faggan Singh Kulaste said that Deepa Malik is an inspiration for the district and the country. The tribal children of the district will definitely move ahead by taking inspiration from her. Kulaste appreciated the life and struggle of Deepa Malik. He said that taking inspiration from international player Deepa Malik, young players of Mandla district will illuminate the name of the district. He thanked the people of the district and the district administration for inviting the Padma Shree and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardees in Mandla district. Collector Harshika Singh

honoured Deepa Malik by giving momentoes on behalf of the district administration. Many record holders including Limca Book, Deepa Malik gave inspirational answers to different questions of the students and players of the district. She mentioned in detail the many incidents that come between her life’s struggle and success. Deepa Malik said that there is sports talent in India, commendable work is being done by the government to nurture sports talent. She said that under the ‘Meet-the-Champion’ program, eminent players are being provided an opportunity to meet new players under various programs. She said that gradually the sports culture is developing in India. Daughters are also making their name bright by moving ahead in every genre of sports. Giving the mantra of success to the players and students, Deepa Malik said that success is definitely achieved by time management, fitness and facing challenges. She said that definitely live your dreams and work hard for it. Deepa Malik also told about her family background and the support received by the family in moving forward. Deepa Malik, the only player to win 3 consecutive Asian medals, thanked the district administration for the hospitality. She asked all the children to take out time for sports. She also recited the poem ‘Bitiya Tum Aisi Hona...’, which she wrote during the Covid period. Akhilesh Upadhyay conducted the program successfully.