thesilkroadtoday
DEEPA MALIK: “I AM SURE SHAH RUKH KHAN AND AMITABH BACHCHAN
WILL GIVE THEIR MESSAGES TO PARA ATHLETES (100 CTFP)”
There are moments in sport when a message becomes more than just a string of words. It becomes a source of strength, confidence, and a reminder that an athlete never struggles alone.
That spirit lies at the heart of 100 CTFP — 100 Celebrities Talk for Para Athletes, an initiative that connects Paralympic athletes with inspirational messages from influential figures around the world.
For Dr. Deepa Malik, an Indian Paralympic sports legend, the struggle for athletes with disabilities is not something distant from her life. She has experienced it herself.
As the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic medal, Deepa’s journey to the world stage was shaped by years of living with disability, loneliness, limited accessibility, and ultimately finding strength through sport.
In a television broadcast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “I request you all to meet Deepa. She is known as a prominent player in India, but very few people know her as an excellent motivator.”
Deepa later served as President of the Paralympic Committee of India and currently serves as a member of the Executive Board of the Asian Paralympic Committee.
The spirit of sport has also been carried forward within her family. Her daughter, Devika Malik, is a Paralympic athlete who won a medal at the 2023 Asian Para Games and currently serves as President of the Indian Para Kabaddi Association.
From Hangzhou, a Friendship Became Support for 100 CTFP
Deepa Malik and Natalia Tjahja, founder of the Maria Monique Last Wish Foundation (MMLWF) and creator of 100 CTFP, first met in a simple setting — over breakfast during the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games.
However, two years later, that brief meeting had developed into much greater support.
In 2025, Deepa was contacted by Natalia when Natalia began collecting messages for athletes through 100 CTFP.
Deepa warmly welcomed the idea.
“I am happy to know Natalia. We need sincere people who truly support para sport. We need one voice all over the world for 100 CTFP,” Deepa said in an interview with Voice of Indonesia.
For Deepa, 100 CTFP is not only about a card. It is about bringing the voices of the world together to encourage athletes who have overcome extraordinary journeys.
Preeti Jhangiani, Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan
One of them is Preeti Jhangiani, the actress widely known for the film Mohabbatein. Preeti also has an important role in the world of sport as President of the Armwrestling Federation India and Vice President of the Asian Armwrestling Federation.
Preeti has been part of 100 CTFP since 2025.
Deepa also remembers Shah Rukh Khan, who publicly supported Indian Paralympic athletes ahead of the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta. At that time, Shah Rukh Khan met the Indian contingent and spoke directly to the athletes about strength, courage, and the courage to overcome the word “impossible.”
According to Deepa, the iconic television platform Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, has tremendous potential to raise public awareness of Paralympic sport.
“I will introduce 100 CTFP to Shah Rukh and Amitabh. I am sure they will give their messages to para athletes,” Deepa said in an interview with Voice of Indonesia.
The concept of 100 CTFP is actually simple.
A small card carries a message from a respected figure and is then given directly to a Paralympic athlete.
Natalia has even opened the possibility for a card recipient to meet the figure who gave the message in person.
The journey of 100 CTFP has now crossed various countries, with 660 global figures having joined.
Natalia expressed special appreciation to Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), and the entire IPC team, for their full support of 100 CTFP and MMLWF.
The official video from International Paralympic Commitee that Mr Andrew support 100 CTFP
“Andrew Parsons as the ‘Father of 100 CTFP Worldwide’ holds Legacy Card No. 00001. On the back of every 100 CTFP card, there is also a tribute to him along with his three inspirational messages,” Natalia said.
In China, Natalia expressed her appreciation to renowned poet and Chairman of the Actor Committee, Cao Shui, who helped introduce 100 CTFP to several prominent figures, including actors Tang Guoqiang, Hou Yong and Hou Tianlai, as well as four major Chinese media outlets: China Urban Headlines, Chinese Poetry Network, Chinese Writers Network, and Great Poetry Journal.
In the Middle East, Natalia expressed her appreciation to Dr. Ashraf Aboul-Yazid. He is President of the Asia Journalist Association and Secretary General of Congress African American. He helped introduce 100 CTFP in Arabic across the region.
In Indonesia, support came from Raja Sapta Oktohari, President of the Indonesian Olympic Committee, who was recognized as Sports Leader 100 CTFP Indonesia 2026, as well as Benny Butarbutar, President Director of ANTARA News Agency, as Media Leader 100 CTFP Indonesia 2026.
In Japan, Maki Starfield became the first person to bring together international figures for 100 CTFP and received the Women of Influence 100 CTFP Asia 2026 recognition. The same recognition was given to Jenny O for her support of various humanitarian activities.
Deepa Malik herself was named:
Para Sports Leader 100 CTFP Asia 2026.
Towards Aichi-Nagoya 2026
Ahead of the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Natalia is travelling to various Asian countries to meet leaders of National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) and present 100 CTFP cards to national para athletes who will compete at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games.
When travel or weather conditions make an in-person meeting impossible, the cards can be sent through national postal services to the respective NPCs.
To make the messages a valuable keepsake, 100 CTFP cards are produced in various materials, including acrylic and PVC, while the Legacy Card is made of crystal.
But once again, for Natalia, this journey is not simply about a card.
It is about bringing the voices of influential people closer to athletes who have overcome extraordinary struggles.
About making an athlete feel seen, supported, and respected through God’s love.
“Everything is because of God’s power. Thank God always in every journey of 100 CTFP and MMLWF,” Natalia said in closing the interview.
