In a historic move, Dr. Deepa Malik, India’s first woman Paralympic medallist, has been appointed as the sub-regional representative for South Asia by the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC). This significant appointment was confirmed during the 34th Executive Board meeting of the APC, marking a momentous step forward for gender diversity and athlete-centric leadership in para-sports.
Deepa Malik’s appointment as South Asia representative
Deepa Malik’s appointment brings the total number of female representatives on the APC Executive Board to five. This is the highest female representation ever achieved in the organization’s history. Her extensive experience and wisdom make her voice invaluable during Executive Board meetings.
APC President Majid Rashed expressed confidence that Dr. Deepa will excellently represent South Asian nations on the board. As the sub-regional representative for South Asia, Dr. Malik will advocate for the development and promotion of para-sports across the region.
Her role involves being a voice for India and other South Asian countries, contributing to the collective growth of parasports and fostering inclusion through sports. Deepa Malik’s appointment aligns with the broader mission of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) to foster excellence and inclusivity in para-sports.
PCI President Devendra Jhajharia welcomed the announcement, emphasizing that it is a defining moment for Indian Paralympics. The collaboration between Dr. Deepa Malik and the APC aims to develop para-sports across the region.
At APC's 34th Executive Board meeting, Mr.Kazuhiro Yagi from Japan was welcomed as a new Vice President, 26 nominees from across Asia were approved as members of APC Standing Committees and Dr. Deepa Malik was appointed as South Asia regional representative. pic.twitter.com/6TY8gMCrHb
— Asian Paralympic Committee (@asianparalympic) July 17, 2024
This appointment showcases India’s leadership and commitment to the global para-sports community. Malik expressed her honor and eagerness to represent South Asia. She sees this as an opportunity to contribute to the one big family of humanity. Her appointment reflects India’s longstanding ethos of “Vasudev Kutumbakam”—the belief that the world is one family. By taking this step, Deepa Malik aims to elevate India’s role on the international stage.
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