When Life Throws a Shortput, Throw Back a Javelin India’s Para Legend on Grit & Winning Against Odds

Описание: What does it take to rise, even when life places every possible obstacle in your way?
In this deeply inspiring episode of the GDP@MyGov podcast, we sit down with Deepa Malik, India’s legendary para-athlete and a true symbol of resilience, courage, and national pride.
Deepa Malik shares her extraordinary journey of becoming a para-sports icon, from confronting life-altering challenges to standing on the world podium for India. She opens up about the mental strength required to compete at the highest level, the discipline behind sustained excellence, and the life lessons adversity taught her along the way.
This conversation also dives into how India’s para-sports ecosystem has transformed in recent years. Deepa reflects on the growing institutional and policy support for para-athletes, the impact of government initiatives like Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), and how focused leadership and intent have elevated India’s presence on the global para-sports stage. She also speaks about the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recognising, encouraging, and empowering para-athletes, helping shift national mindset and aspiration around inclusive sporting excellence.
Beyond sport, this episode is filled with timeless lessons on grit, self-belief, purpose, and leadership.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment and share this episode, and make sure to subscribe to MyGov India for more such engaging conversations.

#GDPPodcast #Podcast

00:00:00 — Turning a Wheelchair into a "Will-Chair"
00:03:54 — Battling a Spinal Tumor at Age 5
00:11:42 — Proving them Wrong: Choosing Sports early
00:13:52 — My Marriage condition: I want a Bike!
00:19:40 — My Daughter's Accident & Recovery
00:25:40 — 1999: Paralyzed during the Kargil War
00:31:43 — The Philosophy of "Bring It On"
00:38:20 — Breaking the "Dependent" Identity
00:43:24 — My Journey as a Social Entrepreneur
00:51:19 — The Struggle for Para-Sports Policy
00:56:30 — 2014: First Meeting with PM Narendra Modi
01:01:20 — Why PM Modi chose the word "Divyang"
01:06:45 — How TOPS Policy transformed Para-Sports
01:12:25 — Nari Shakti: Women Leading Indian Sports
01:18:03 — The Historic Airport Welcome (Rio 2016)
01:24:12 — Operation Sindoor & Army Family Pride
01:27:50 — Role of Divyangs in Viksit Bharat 2047

Subscribe Now: https://bit.ly/MyGovYouTube Stay Updated! 🔔

Follow us to stay updated:

► Like us on Facebook:   / mygovindia  
► Follow us on Twitter:   / mygovindia  
► Follow us on Instagram:   / mygovindia  
► Follow us on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mygovindia
► Follow us on LinkedIn:   / mygov-india