India’s campaign in the World Para Athletics Championships started on a bright note as sprinter Deepthi Jeevanji qualified for the final of the women’s 400m T20 race with a season-best effort on Friday.
Season-Best Effort in the Heats
The 22-year-old from Telangana registered 58.35 seconds to lead the second heat in the first round. Her good timing not only earned her a direct qualification to the final but also was her season’s best run.
In the first round, Leonela Coromoto Vera Colina of Venezuela took the top spot with a scorching 57.10 seconds, also her season’s best, as reigning world record holder Aysel Onder of Turkey placed second at 57.88s. Onder had recorded a world mark of 54.96s in last year’s Paris Paralympics, ranking her as among the stronger gold candidates.
Strong International Field
Ukraine’s Yuliia Shuliar came third in Heat 1 with 58.01s, qualifying her for the final. Diana Vivenes of the Dominican Republic (59.41s) and Telaya Blacksmith of Australia (1:00.10) took the second and third places respectively in Heat 2.
According to rules of qualification, the first three in each heat qualify automatically for the medal round, and two more quickest runners. Mayerli Minda (58.98s) from Ecuador and Carina Paim (59.61s) from Portugal qualified through the time qualification.
Medal Round Set for Prime-Time Showdown
With all finalists confirmed, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown in the women’s 400m T20 final, scheduled to take place at 7:23 pm IST later in the day. Deepthi’s strong start will boost India’s hopes for a podium finish in this marquee event.
Deepthi’s qualification marks a bright beginning for India at the World Para Athletics Championships, where the nation is aiming to improve its medal tally from previous editions. Her performance not only reflects her consistency this season but also raises expectations of a strong finish in the final.
