Deepthi Jeevanji storms into 400m T20 finals at World Para Athletics Championships

India’s Deepthi Jeevanji qualified for the Women’s 400m T20 final at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025, clocking 58.35 seconds in her heat. The medal round will be held at 7:23 pm IST.

Hyderabad: The World Para Athletics Championships 2025 began on a strong note for India as para-athlete Deepthi Jeevanji qualified for the medal round with a first-place finish in the Women’s 400m T20 heats.

The 22-year-old athlete from Telangana clocked 58.35 seconds — her season’s best — to win Heat 2 of Round 1.

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In Heat 1, Venezuela’s Leonela Coromoto Vera Colina topped the race with 57.10 seconds, also her season’s best. Current world record holder Aysel Onder of Turkey finished second in the same heat with 57.88 seconds, slower than her Paris Paralympics 2024 record of 54.96 seconds. Ukraine’s Yuliia Shuliar followed at 58.01 seconds.

From Heat 2, Dominican Republic’s Diana Vivenes (59.41 sec) and Australia’s Telaya Blacksmith (1:00.10) joined Deepthi in qualifying for the finals.

Qualification rules and finalists
As per rules, the top three athletes from each heat qualify directly, with the next two fastest times across heats also advancing. Ecuador’s Mayerli Minda (58.98 sec) and Portugal’s Carina Paim (59.61 sec) secured those spots.

The final of the Women’s 400m T20 event is scheduled for 7:23 pm IST.