Deepa Malik

Deepa Malik is a motivational speaker on a mission – to put Indian para-athletics on the map. She is the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic medal, and is currently the President of the Paralympic Committee of India, two achievements that reflect Deepa’s outstanding commitment. When booked for events, she takes audiences on a journey through her achievements, and explores the mentally resilient mindset that allowed Deepa to thrive under pressure.

As an athlete and inspiring woman, Deepa’s career is defined by firsts. She is the first Indian medal-winning female athlete at the Asian Para Games, and the first female Indian paraplegic biker, swimmer and rally driver. Arguably, Deepa’s greatest achievement is her Silver medal finish at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, the first of its kind for India. Deepa also made history as the only female athlete from India to place at three successive Asian Games, and not just set but continuously defend her Javelin record.

Deepa has set multiple world records. She has driven cars and motorbikes tailored to her disability, and holds four Limca World Records. Whether Deepa is open river swimming or driving across India, her adventurous streak has pushed the boundaries of para-sport, to spread her important message – “Ability Beyond Disability”. Despite her below-chest paralysis, Deepa has adapted to overcome the hurdles that stood in her way, to achieve the seemingly impossible.

Founder of Wheeling Happiness Foundation, ambassador for Clean India and consultant for Disability Inclusive Accessible Infrastructure; in her spare time, Deepa fights for sustainability and inclusion. She plays an important role in sports policies, and was selected as a Fellow for New Zealand. Such incredible achievements have been recognised with several awards, including five from the President of India - Padma Shri, Arjuna Award, President’s National Role Model Award, Women Transforming India Award and the First Ladies Award. She also received the International Women’s Day of Recognition, for her services to disabled female athletes in India.

Deepa has supplied empowering speeches at events of all shapes and sizes, like the National Convention of Company Secretaries and Illuminati 2019, on the theme ‘Against All Odds’. She embodies determination and perseverance, valuable speaking topics that Deepa explores as a keynote and motivational speaker. An ambassador for disability representation, Deepa continues to pave the way for differently-abled athletes, and prove that our physical challenges should never define us.