The Asian Paralympic Committee has appointed Dr Deepa Malik, a renowned Paralympian and the first-ever Indian woman to win a medal at the Paralympic Games, as the sub-regional representative for South Asia.
During the 34th Executive Board meeting of the APC, this historic decision was taken, which is an important step forward for gender diversity and athlete-centric leadership in para-sports.
After Deepa Malik’s appointment, the number of female representatives on the APC Executive Board increased to five, the highest female representation in the organisation’s history.
Deepa Malik will promote para sports in South Asian countries and oversee their development in the region.
Welcoming the decision, Deepa Malik said it is an honour and an opportunity for her to represent South Asia and be a voice for the region. The Paralympic medallist said that India has long been a flag bearer of “Vasudev Kutumbakam,” and now is also the moment to take a step forward and take the lead in contributing to this one big family.
She added that it’s time for her to represent India at a higher level and contribute to the collective growth of para sports and ‘inclusion through sports’ at large.
Dr Deepa Malik’s huge experience, profound skills, and unwavering commitment to para-sports make her an ideal candidate for this esteemed position.
Welcoming the appointment, the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) expressed hope that this decision will foster excellence and inclusivity in para-sports.
Expressing happiness, PCI President Devendra Jhajharia said this is a defining moment for Indian Paralympics. It is the right step in the overall development of sports in South Asia.
He said that PCI will collaborate with Dr Deepa Malik and the APC to develop para-sports across the region, and PCI is truly happy that APC has shown so much faith in her.
India is on the top in Para Sports when it comes to the South Asian region with historic 19 medals at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and record-breaking 111 medals at the Asian Para Games 2022.
However, other member countries, such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, struggle to participate at the international level due to the lack of basic para sports infrastructure.
Speaking over this, Deepa Malik said that she would aim to enable these countries struggling with a lack of access to basic para-sports infrastructure to participate at the top level, which will help them improve the quality of the para-athletes.
Deepa Mulls will use her experience as the president of PCI to help the other members of the region.
