Perseverance against odds is the key to success, says Deepa Malik
MUMBAI: Paralympics silver medallist Deepa Malik on Tuesday urged citizens to constantly back themselves and to never give up saying it’s as important to talk about failures, as it is of success.
In town to be part of the launch of Indian Institute of Sports Management’s (IISM) Edge course, Malik spoke on how she has often been on the verge of quitting something before she forced herself to adapt to different situations.
“I was preparing for javelin all along. In 2015, Doha World Championships was my first opportunity when I got to learn after making an Asian record. After winning an Asian medal for the second time in 2014 in Incheon Korea, I was world No 2 in category 53 for javelin. At that point of time, I’m happy that 2016 is coming and I’m going to make a meal in javelin and I’m doing pretty good and suddenly in 2015 when the final event list comes out, my event category has (only) shotput. There is no javelin there. So there is a dead end. You have practiced something for five years and when it’s time for you to go to Paralympics, your event changes,” Malik, who became the first Indian to win a Paralympic medal at the 2016 Games, said.
Citing her success from being a javelin thrower to a shot-putter, Malik added that it’s the perseverance that mattered for her during those days.
Malik’s mark in 2015 was just a little over 3.6m and she threw 4.62m in 2016 to bag silver.
Malik is yet again at a crossroad given neither javelin nor shot put are scheduled at the upcoming Paralympics (in the 53 category).
The transition, and such experiences, Malik feels will help working professionals who
MALIK IS YET AGAIN AT A CROSSROAD GIVEN NEITHER JAVELIN NOR SHOT PUT ARE SCHEDULED AT THE NEXT PARALYMPICS FOR 53KG CATEGORY
would be part of the course—one that would be taught by professionals in the field of sports. Former India cricketer Nilesh Kulkarni, the founder/director of IISM and former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha were also present at the event.