Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar showered praise on Deepa Malik, who created history by becoming the first-ever Indian woman to win a medal at the Paralympics.
Deepa bagged a silver in the shotput F-53 event at the Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games.
Tendulkar called her achievement phenomenal.
Deepa is a paraplegic, paralysed from waist down, expressed her desire to meet the legendary Tendulkar on Twitter. She wrote, “This is an honor. Am a great fan. Looking forward to meeting you some day. I played cricket in Rajasthan 1988-89. My walking days.”
The reply from Tendulkar was positive and prompt, “Looking forward to meeting you as well :) Your hard work and determination has inspired all of us!”
Javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia, who inked his name in the history books by becoming the first athlete from India to win two gold medals at the Paralympics.
Devendra has now become the only Indian to win two golds in an individual event at the Olympics or Paralympics.
"#DevendraJhajharia is a true testament of the fact that grit, will power and faith can make you achieve great heights! Congratulations champ," Tendulkar wrote on his Twitter handle.
Several other sportspersons cutting across various disciplines have joined the chorus in praising the most decorated Indian Paralympian.
India has now increased its medal tally to four at the Rio Paralympics. Earlier, Mariyappan Thangavelu had won gold in the men's high jump, while Varun Bhati had secured a bronze in the same event.
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