Shot-putter Deepa Malik wins silver, becomes first Indian woman medalist in Paralympics

Rio de Janeiro: India's Deepa Malik on Monday bagged a silver medal in the Women's Shot Put - F53 event at the 2016 Rio Paralympics Games here, clinching the silver with a personal best throw of 4.61 metres. Fatema Nedham of Bahrain won gold with a best throw of 4.76m while Dimitra Korokida of Greece took bronze with a best throw of 4.28m.

Deepa registered a throw of 4.26m to start of with but her second throw was 4.49 while the third was 4.41. She then bettered her personal best with a throw of 4.61m.

Deepa, who is a paraplegic, paralysed from waist down, is a recipient of the Arjuna Award in 2012. She is the mother of two and wife of an army officer.

Deepa said she wants to use the medal to support women with disabilities in India. The 45-year-old, who is the oldest in the Indian contingent in Rio to win a medal, called it a "proud moment" for her and the family. "I want to use this medal to support women with disabilities in India. This journey has been wonderful for me and my entire family, I am proud to be the oldest athlete in the team and win a medal," Deepa told IANS immediately after her silver medal feat, which she won with a personal best throw of 4.61 metres in the F53 final event. 

Deepa has confirmed India's third medal from the Paralympic Games. India's tally at this edition of the Paralympics now stands at one gold, one silver and a bronze. Mariyappan Thangavelu had won gold in the Men's High Jump T42 category on Friday with fellow Indian Varun Bhati taking bronze in the same event.