Deepa Malik Credits TOPS, PCI for Para Asian Games Feat

Jakarta [Indonesia], Oct 12 (ANI): Indian para-athlete Deepa Malik, who won her second Bronze medal in the ongoing third edition of Para Asian Games on Friday, has credited Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) for her achievements in the prestigious tournament.

The 48-year-old has won a bronze in Women's F51/52/53s Discus Throw event at the Asian Para Games. Earlier, she had finished third on the podium in Women's Javelin Throw event in the Combined F53/54 category in the same tournament.

"I would like to thank TOPS scheme and Paralympics committee of India who trained us for such a big platform. They give us funds and freedom to customise our training in severe disability. All the facilities like physio, dietician, nurse etc are provided to us under TOPS which, I think, played a big role in enhancing my performance at Para Asian Games," Malik said.

Reflecting on her bronze medal victory in the discus throw, the athlete said that this medal is "special" as she was specialized in shot put and the discus was a new event for her.

"This medal is special. In 2018, when the list came out, I got to know that if I want to compete in Para Asian Games, then I have to just two events to participate in that were javelin and discus," she said.

"I had never done discus on the international level, I was not aware of the technicalities and all. Qualifying for that, learning that was not easy," she added.

Thanking her coach and fitness trainer for helping her achieve victory, the Arjuna Awardee athlete said that she is proud to have clinched two medals for her country.

Malik dedicated both the medals to her late father. (ANI)

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