Chaiti Rani Deb Wins Historic Gold at Asian Youth Para Games

From a girl once overlooked for her small stature to a national sports hero, Chaiti Rani Deb has brought pride to Bangladesh by winning gold medals at the 2025 Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai. At just 13 years old and standing 3 feet 7 inches tall, the Moulvibazar-born athlete stunned spectators by claiming gold in both javelin throw and the 100-metre sprint, marking the first time a Bangladeshi para-athlete has achieved such a feat.

Chaiti, daughter of Shilu Rani Deb and Satya Deb from Bhunbeer village, had faced early challenges due to her condition. Diagnosed as a dwarf, her growth and physical development were notably delayed. Yet her determination and talent in sports were evident from a young age. Enrolled at Bhunbeer Dashrath High School and College, she began athletics training in the sixth grade, nurtured by local support initiatives.

Her talent first caught the eye of Sports for Hope and Independence (SHI), a grassroots organisation providing free sports training for underprivileged children. SHI’s founder and CEO Sharmin Farhana Chowdhury and sports development lead Pappu Lal Modak recognised her potential and arranged specialised coaching, including training at Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) in Savar ahead of the Dubai Games.

Chaiti’s preparation paid off. On the first day of competition, she won gold in javelin, making history for Bangladesh in para-sports. The following day, she sprinted to another gold in the 100 metres, displaying remarkable speed and precision. She also assisted teammates and inspired fellow athletes through her dedication and perseverance.

Chaiti’s achievements have brought joy to her family and village. Her mother, Shilu Rani Deb, expressed pride and relief: “I never imagined my daughter would compete abroad. I want her to build her future through sports, to be independent and responsible for herself.”

Looking ahead, Chaiti dreams of continuing athletics while pursuing her education with the goal of becoming a medical doctor, proving that it is ambition, not stature, that shapes greatness.

Key Achievements