Asian Games will end with Asian Para Games: Deepa Malik

Giving a strong message to the people of the country, Indian para-athlete Deepa Malik on Wednesday said that the upcoming 18th edition of the Asian Games would end only after the closing ceremony of Asian Para Games on October 13.

The 47-year-old requested the people to welcome the para-athletes with equal love and support as the abled athletes.

"Asian games are not getting over in September, it will end in October when para Asian games will conclude," Malik said.

"I request you all to keep the spirit alive for them as well. There should be an inclusive welcome of the players," she added.

Reflecting on her Asian Para Games prospects, the 2014 Asian Para Games silver-medalist assured that she would definitely clinch two medals in the event but was not sure if those would be gold or not.

"I am not sure about the two golds but two medals definitely. It's confusing at the moment as we see a lot of talent coming up," she said.

Brushing aside her retirement reports, the athlete said that she is not announcing her retirement as of now because if she did well in the Asian Para Games she would like to carry it forward in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Malik, who will be representing the country in Javelin and Disc throw events at the Asian Games, underscored that consistent performance is her pure aim and she would like to continue with the legacy of bringing laurels for the nation.

On a related note, Asian Para Games are slated to be held from October 6 to 13.