
Rio Paralympics hero Deepa Malik got a heart-warming welcome as she landed in Delhi on the morning of 17 September.
Malik's family members, athletes, fellow bikers and hundreds of fans were present to welcome the nation's hero back, NDTV reported.
Overwhelmed by the rousing reception at Delhi's IGI airport, NDTV quoted Deepa Malik as saying, "I'm so so honoured. If it has not sunk in after this, God knows I would be lying. I am finally realising what I am holding this (medal) and it has happened."
Delhi: Rio Paralympic silver medallist in shot put Deepa Malik arrived in Delhi last night to much celebration. pic.twitter.com/zKN6zau3cu
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 17, 2016
Deepa's personal best throw of 4.61 metres in the women's shot put F-53 final helped India win silver at the Games. Bahrain's Fatema Nedham won the gold with a throw of 4.76m, Dimitra Korokida of Greece took bronze with 4.28m and Malik won the silver with her best throw of 4.61m on 13 September. Deepa Malik, a recipient of the Arjuna Award, is a mother of two and wife of an Army officer.
Also Read: Get to know India's Rio Paralympic gold, silver, and bronze medallists
A spinal tumour left Deepa paralysed waist-below in 1999. The tumour had to be operated and 31 surgeries were conducted on Deepa. She finally healed after 183 stitches between her waist and legs.
First published: 17 September 2016, 11:13 IST