India’s Deepthi Jeevanji won the gold medal in the women’s 400m T20 event at the Asian Para Games on Tuesday, setting a new Games record with a time of 56.36 seconds.
The 23-year-old athlete from Telangana delivered an impressive performance to finish ahead of Japan’s Niina Kanno and Akane Kato, adding another major achievement to her growing international career. Jeevanji crossed the finish line in 56.36 seconds to secure the top position on the podium. Japan’s Kanno claimed the silver medal with a time of 58.92 seconds, while her compatriot Kato took bronze after completing the race in 1 minute and 0.26 seconds. The Indian athlete’s winning time gave her a clear advantage over both Japanese competitors and established a new record for the event at the Games.
The victory adds to Jeevanji’s growing list of accomplishments in para-athletics. She won gold at the 2024 Para Athletics World Championships and also secured a bronze medal at the Paralympic Games in the women’s 400m T20 event. Her latest performance reinforces her position as one of India’s leading athletes in the category and demonstrates her ability to deliver at major international competitions. Jeevanji’s progress reflects years of preparation and competition in a demanding track event. The 400m requires athletes to combine speed, endurance and careful pacing over one complete lap of the track. Competitors must maintain their rhythm while managing fatigue, particularly during the closing stages of the race. Producing a record time at a major championship requires both physical preparation and effective race execution.
The T20 classification is used in para-athletics for athletes with intellectual impairments. Competitors in this category may experience differences in information processing, concentration and the execution of tactical strategies. Classification rules are designed to organise competition among athletes who meet the relevant eligibility criteria, allowing them to compete in designated events at international championships. Jeevanji’s performance is significant in the context of India’s broader para-sports achievements. Indian athletes have increasingly drawn attention through their performances at international competitions, including the Paralympic Games and world championships. Successes in track and field have helped expand public awareness of para-athletes and highlighted the importance of training facilities, coaching, competitive opportunities and sustained support.
Her gold medal also brings attention to the competitive standard of the women’s 400m T20 event. With a time of 56.36 seconds, Jeevanji finished well ahead of Kanno, who clocked 58.92 seconds. Kato followed in third place with 1:00.26. The results placed the Indian athlete at the centre of the podium ceremony and gave her another record-setting performance to add to her international record. For athletes competing at the highest level, maintaining performance across different championships can be challenging. Training programmes must balance speed development, endurance, recovery and preparation for the demands of competition. Athletes also need to adapt to different venues, schedules and competitive conditions. Jeevanji’s world championship gold and Paralympic bronze, followed by her Asian Para Games record, reflect her continued presence among the leading competitors in her event.
The achievement also underlines the importance of recognising sporting excellence across different disability classifications. Para-athletics provides athletes with opportunities to compete at elite levels under established rules and classifications. Performances such as Jeevanji’s demonstrate the athletic ability and determination required to succeed in international competition, while helping bring greater visibility to events that may receive less coverage than mainstream athletics. Jeevanji’s success is particularly notable because it builds on achievements at both world championship and Paralympic level. Winning gold at the Asian Para Games with a record time gives her another significant result in the same event.
The combination of international medals and a Games record strengthens her profile in the T20 category and marks an important moment in her sporting journey. With Kanno winning silver and Kato taking bronze, Japan also secured two places on the podium. However, Jeevanji emerged as the clear winner with her 56.36-second performance. Her gold medal added to India’s presence in para-athletics and highlighted the country’s athletes competing successfully on the international stage. The record-breaking run marks another milestone for the Telangana athlete, who has already achieved success at major para-sport events. Her victory in the women’s 400m T20 competition demonstrates her continued ability to perform at a high level and adds an Asian Para Games gold medal to her growing list of accomplishments.