New Delhi: The Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) has named India’s first woman Paralympic medallist Deepa Malik as its sub-regional representative for South Asia.
Her appointment was approved during APC’s 34th executive board meeting, and it is being seen as a step towards gender diversity and athlete-centric leadership in para-sports.
Malik, who claimed a shot put silver medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics will begin in her job immediately. After retirement, the 53-year-old has served as the Paralympic Committee of India president from 2020 to 2024.
With her inclusion, the female representation at APC’s executive board has jumped up to five, the most in the history of the organisation, a media statement stated.
“Having more women during our Executive Board meetings is a very positive step forward, especially when one voice is of someone with the experience, skills and wisdom of Dr. Deepa Malik,” APC president Majid Rashed said in the statement.
“The APC acknowledges Dr. Deepa’s extensive experience and is confident that our members from the South Asia Sub Region will be excellently represented by you on the APC Executive Board.”
The role of Malik will be to promote para-sports in South sian nations and oversee its development in the region.
“It is an honour and an opportunity for me to represent South Asia and be a voice for our region. India for long is a flag bearer of “Vasudev Kutumbakam” and now is also a right time to take a step forward in taking the lead in contributing to this one big family,” Malik said.
“It’s time for me to represent India at a bigger level and contribute in the collective growth of parasports and ‘inclusion through sports’ at large,” she added.
Earlier, two-time para gold medallist Devendra Jhajharia had succeeded Malik as the PCI chief.
“This is a defining moment for Indian Paralympics. It is the right step in the overall development of sports in this region. I wholeheartedly welcome this announcement.
“We will collaborate with Dr. Deepa Malik and the APC to develop para-sports across the region. PCI is truly happy that APC has shown trust in our former president and our champion player,” former javeliner Jhajharia said.
Deepa Malik’s appointment was approved during APC’s 34th executive board meeting Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
