MSK Prasad hails coach Ramesh, grassroots support behind para athlete Deepthi Jeevanji’s rise

Former cricketer M.S.K. Prasad has highlighted the crucial role of coach Nagapuri Ramesh and grassroots support in para athlete Deepthi Jeevanji’s rise. He credited mentorship, perseverance and government assistance for her Paralympic bronze medal and inspiring sporting journey.

Hyderabad: What makes para athlete Deepthi Jeevanji a truly inspirational achiever?

Well, former India wicket-keeper-batter M.S.K. Prasad reminds that Deepthi, a specially-abled athlete from a rural and financially challenging background, has made the nation proud by winning a bronze medal at the 2024 Paralympics not just by her sheer grit and determination but because of the wonderful mentorship right through her career.

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“We must recognise the contribution of SAI athletics coach Nagapuri Ramesh who warded off discouraging comments when she started taking under tutelage and persisted with her,” MSK informed ‘Telangana Today’ after Deepthi was given the ‘best para athlete’ in Bengaluru last week.

“Deepthi’s journey is truly inspiring and stands as a testament to determination, resilience, and the transformative power of sport. She is also lucky to have the complete support of Telangana Government and the Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy in terms of getting the desired financial assistance at the right time,” Prasad explained

“No doubt, Ramesh deserves special mention. It was he who first identified her potential, believed in her abilities, and facilitated her admission into the SAI Sports Hostel, where he was serving as the Head Coach,” the former India cricketer who also chipped in his own way in supporting the 22-year-old athlete’s cause.

“Understanding the unique challenges Deepti faced in learning and adapting, Coach Ramesh dedicated himself wholeheartedly to her development. With immense patience, commitment, and selfless service, he nurtured her talent step by step, guiding her both on and off the field. His tireless efforts, personal sacrifices, and unwavering faith in her abilities played a significant role in transforming a talented young girl into a Paralympic medallist,” MSK said.

“The contribution of a coach goes far beyond technical training. Coaches invest countless hours, make personal sacrifices, and often place the aspirations of their students ahead of their own comforts and family life,” the former India cricketer said.

“Coaches and their families often derive their greatest joy from the achievements of their students, even when those achievements come at the cost of their own personal time, celebrations, and family moments,” he said.

Interestingly, Kalleda in Warangal from where Deepthi hails is also the place known for the passionate promotion of sports by Mr Errabelli Ram Mohan Rao who through his Rural Development Foundation has been mentoring young sporting talent for more than three decades now.