EnglishCBSE Class 9 · Chapter 5

The World of Limitless Possibilities Class 9: Summary and Questions

Updated 15 October 2026 · Fact-checked

The World of Limitless Possibilities, the prose piece of Kaveri Unit 5, introduces the Paralympic Games and presents an interview with Dr Deepa Malik, paralysed waist down at 29, who won silver in shot-put at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Her message: 'ability beyond disability', and every setback is an opportunity to prove your strength.

What The World of Limitless Possibilities is about

The World of Limitless Possibilities is a non-fiction piece in Unit 5 of Kaveri, a unit on sport and the human spirit. It opens with a short introduction to the Paralympic Games, in which athletes with locomotor, sensory or intellectual disabilities compete, and notes India's Paralympic history. The main part is an interview with Dr Deepa Malik, Khel Ratna, Arjuna and Padma Shri awardee. She describes how a spine tumour left her paralysed waist down at 29, how she chose sport over regret, her silver medal in shot-put at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, her fight against social stereotypes, her advocacy for inclusion and her advice to others.

In the R1 paper, a prose extract (Q10, 5 marks) may come from this interview, with fact-opinion and cause-effect items. It also suits 2-mark short answers (40-50 words) and 5-mark long answers (120-150 words) on resilience, inclusion and gender equality. The unit's grammar (modal auxiliaries and reported speech) and its notice writing task (up to 50 words) match Section B of the R1 and R2 papers.

Weightage: Class 9 English is a school examination of 80 marks, but CBSE prescribes the paper design. Section C (Literature, 30 marks) in R1: one prose/drama extract and one poetry extract (5 marks each), five of six short answers (40-50 words, 2 marks each) and two long answers (about 120-150 words, 5 marks each). R2 has three extracts, five of seven short answers and one long answer.Source: CBSE English Language syllabus, Class IX 2026-27, Question Paper Design R1 and R2

The World of Limitless Possibilities: summary

In our own words, in the order of the text. Read the NCERT text itself too: the board quotes from it.

Introduction: the Paralympics. The piece invites readers into the Paralympic Games, a celebration of the resilience and talent of athletes with locomotor, sensory or intellectual disabilities. The Games aim to quell stereotypes and redefine what is possible. India first took part in 1968 and won its first medal, in swimming, in 1972. One of India's best-known Paralympians is Dr Deepa Malik.

The tragedy and the choice. In the interview, Dr Malik says that at 29 she was diagnosed with a spine tumour. After surgery, doctors said she would be in a wheelchair for life, paralysed waist down. She had two choices: waste her life in regret or turn it into a world of limitless possibilities. Having loved sports and swum before, she turned to para-athletics.

The breakthrough. Her breakthrough came at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, where she won silver in shot-put. Looking back, she sees it as a personal victory and a step towards changing perceptions. The interviewer calls her a trailblazer: the first Indian woman para-athlete to win an Asian Games medal in athletics and India's first woman Paralympic medallist in any sport. She says her awards prove that physical limitations do not define potential, and she believes in 'ability beyond disability'.

Challenges. Her biggest challenge was society's perception: people underestimated her. She needed mental as well as physical strength, treated challenges as chances to prove herself and, with her family's support and her own fortitude, turned obstacles into stepping stones.

Sport and stereotypes. She believes sport, especially the Paralympics, breaks down preconceived notions, because people see the strength and competitive spirit of para-athletes. The Paralympics gave her a new lease of life.

Advocacy and advice. She works for the emotional health of persons with challenges, empowers women through outdoor and adventure sports, supports people from poorer backgrounds and provides equipment to para sportspersons. She holds awareness sessions in schools and colleges because youth is 'the voice of tomorrow'. Her advice: every setback is an opportunity to prove your strength; build a support system, believe in yourself and inspire others; disability is a unique strength waiting to be unleashed.

Central idea: Disability does not limit potential. With resilience, support and self-belief, setbacks can become stepping stones, and sport can change society's attitudes.

Themes and message

Resilience: turning setbacks into strength

Dr Malik faced paralysis at 29 but chose not to 'squander' her life in remorse. Her story shows resilience as a choice and a habit: treating every setback as a chance to prove oneself.

From the text: 'I had two choices—squander my life in remorse or transform it to a world of limitless possibilities.'

Ability beyond disability

Her medals and 'firsts' are evidence for her belief that physical limitations do not define potential. The piece invites readers to see ability first.

From the text: 'physical limitations don't define one's potential' and 'ability beyond disability'

Challenging stereotypes

Society underestimated her. She argues that when people watch para-athletes compete, preconceived notions break down. Sport becomes a tool for social change.

From the text: 'People often underestimated my abilities.' and 'it breaks down preconceived notions'

Inclusion and advocacy

Beyond medals, Dr Malik works so that everyone, regardless of ability, is treated with dignity and given a fair chance. She targets the young because they shape the future.

From the text: 'I believe youth is the voice of tomorrow.' and 'treated with dignity and given a fair chance to succeed'

Support systems and self-belief

Her family's support and her own fortitude together helped her. Her advice combines both: surround yourself with support, believe in yourself.

From the text: 'The support of my family, coupled with my fortitude, allowed me to turn obstacles into stepping stones.'

Characters

Dr Deepa Malik

Indian Paralympian and the interviewee; Khel Ratna, Arjuna and Padma Shri awardee.

Resilient and determined: chose sport after paralysis
Trailblazer: many 'firsts' for Indian women in para-sport
Humble and grateful: 'truly honoured', appreciates accolades
Reflective: 'In hindsight...'
Socially committed: advocates inclusion, supports para sportspersons
Optimistic and inspiring: 'every setback is an opportunity'

'I embraced challenges as opportunities to prove my capabilities.'; 'Advocacy is integral to my mission.'

The interviewer

An unnamed interviewer who asks about her journey, challenges, views and advice.

Respectful and well-prepared: lists her achievements
Purposeful: moves from her past to her mission and advice

'It is my privilege to have this opportunity'; 'You're a trailblazer'.

How it is written

Device	Example	Effect
Interview (question-answer) format	Interviewer and Dr Malik in turns	Lets the athlete speak in her own voice; questions move logically from past to present to future.
Rhetorical opening question	'Ever wondered what happens when incredible athletes defy the odds...?'	Hooks the reader and introduces the Paralympics with excitement.
Idioms and metaphors	'turn obstacles into stepping stones'; 'a new lease of life'; 'misfortune raised its ugly head'	Vivid phrases make her struggle and recovery memorable.
Antithesis	'squander my life in remorse or transform it'	The contrast sharpens the choice she made.
Fact and opinion	Fact: silver in shot-put at Rio 2016. Opinion: 'I feel it was a moment of personal victory'	Blends evidence with personal reflection; the textbook asks students to tell them apart.

Key quotations

Short lines worth knowing by heart: who says them, when, and why they matter.

Paralympics go beyond competition, to quell stereotypes and redefine possibilities.
Writer (introduction): Introducing the Games.
States the larger purpose of the Paralympics.
squander my life in remorse or transform it to a world of limitless possibilities
Dr Malik: On her choice after paralysis.
Source of the title; shows resilience as a choice.
physical limitations don’t define one’s potential
Dr Malik: On what her achievements mean.
Her core belief.
turn obstacles into stepping stones
Dr Malik: On overcoming society's perceptions.
Shows how support and fortitude helped.
every setback is an opportunity to prove your strength
Dr Malik: Her advice to others.
A life lesson for everyone, not only athletes.
disability is not a limitation; it’s a unique strength waiting to be unleashed
Dr Malik: End of her advice.
Reframes disability positively.

The World of Limitless Possibilities in real life

Each concept, met in an everyday situation. Read the situation, answer the question in your own words, then compare with the model answer. The one-line hook is what to remember.

Turning setbacks into stepping stones

Suppose you break your leg a month before the district football trials and feel your dream is over.

How could Dr Malik's attitude guide you? Answer in 40-50 words.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Two choices: remorse or transformation.
Use recovery time productively.
Support system plus self-belief.

Answer: Like Dr Malik, I have two choices: sink into regret or transform the setback. I could study tactics, do upper-body exercises my doctor allows and help coach juniors. With my family's support and belief in myself, I can return stronger for the next trials.

Memory hook: Setback today, comeback tomorrow.

Inclusion in everyday life

Imagine a new classmate uses a wheelchair, and your class always plays games on a ground he cannot reach.

Using the interview's ideas, suggest what your class could do. Answer in 40-50 words.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Everyone deserves dignity and a fair chance.
Adapt games and spaces.
Ability beyond disability.

Answer: Dr Malik wants a society where everyone, regardless of ability, gets 'a fair chance'. We could ask the school for a ramp, choose games he can play too, such as wheelchair basketball or chess, and see his abilities, not his wheelchair.

Memory hook: Include first, adjust second.

Fact versus opinion

Suppose you read a sports news report that says, 'India won 29 medals at the Games. It was the most inspiring performance ever.'

Identify the fact and the opinion and explain the difference. Answer in about 40 words.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Fact: can be checked (29 medals).
Opinion: a judgement ('most inspiring ever').

Answer: 'India won 29 medals at the Games' is a fact because it can be checked. 'It was the most inspiring performance ever' is an opinion, a personal judgement that others may not share. Like the unit's exercise, the difference helps us read critically.

Memory hook: Facts can be checked; opinions can be argued.

Topics in this chapter

The World of Limitless Possibilities: Dr Deepa Malik's Journey and Ability Beyond Disability

How the school exam asks The World of Limitless Possibilities

The question patterns to expect, and the method that works for each.

Question type	How it is asked	Method
Prose extract (Q10 in R1, 5 marks)	Extracts with parts such as: a reason for a comparison (caterpillar to butterfly); why she switched to para-athletics easily; why Rio was a 'breakthrough'; what 'in hindsight' shows (reflective); tone (appreciative, optimistic); an analogy; true/false.	Find the exact clue in the extract (she 'had been a swimmer'). For tone, choose words the passage supports. For analogies, match the relationship.
Short answer (Q12, 2 marks, 40-50 words)	How her achievements challenge perceptions; the long-term impact of youth advocacy; appropriateness of the title; 'every setback is an opportunity' as a life lesson.	Point plus one example from the interview.
Long answer (Q13/Q14, 5 marks, 120-150 words)	Dr Malik's journey; her contribution to gender equality in sport; how 'ability beyond disability' guides future para-athletes; what you learnt and how you will apply it.	Structure: setback, choice, achievement, advocacy, message. Add your own application.
Fact-opinion and cause-effect items	Identify pairs of sentences as fact-opinion or cause-effect, as in the unit's exercises.	Fact can be proved (medal, year); opinion signals belief ('I feel', 'It is believed').
Grammar and writing from the unit	Modals and their functions; reported speech of statements; a notice (up to 50 words) for an inter-school athletic meet.	Notice: organisation, NOTICE, date, heading, details (what, when, where, who, how to register), signature, name, designation, in a box.

Tricks to remember The World of Limitless Possibilities

Short memory aids. Say each one aloud once, then use it on a question the same day.

Deepa Malik in numbers
29 (age at diagnosis), 2016 (Rio silver, shot-put), 10 (most inspirational women para-athletes list), 3 awards (Khel Ratna, Arjuna, Padma Shri).
Use it when: Fact tables and MCQs.
India and the Paralympics: 68-72
Debut 1968, first medal 1972 (swimming).
Use it when: Introductory facts.
Her message in four S-words
Setback = opportunity; Support system; Self-belief; Share your journey to inspire.
Use it when: Her advice in short or long answers.

The World of Limitless Possibilities: extract-based questions

Read the extract, answer every part on paper, then open the answers.

Extract 1: The choice and the breakthrough

I love sports and had been a swimmer too, so I decided to switch to para-athletics. This is how my Paralympics journey began. My breakthrough moment came in the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, when I secured the silver medal in the shot-put event.

(1) · 1 mark · MCQ
Just before this, she says she had two choices: to 'squander' her life in remorse or to transform it into a world of limitless possibilities. The word 'squander' means:
(a) save
(b) waste
(c) share
(d) plan
(2) · 1 mark · Very short answer
Why could the speaker switch to para-athletics quite comfortably?
(3) · 1 mark · Very short answer
In which event did she win silver at Rio 2016?
(4) · 1 mark · MCQ
(See the context given in the first question.) Her decision can be compared to a caterpillar turning into a butterfly because:
(a) she stopped playing sport
(b) she transformed a painful situation into a new, fuller life
(c) she moved to a new city
(d) she became famous overnight
(5) · 1 mark · Short answer
Why does she call Rio 2016 a 'breakthrough moment'?

Show the answersAnswers

(b) waste
She loved sports and had been a swimmer before.
Shot-put.
(b) she transformed a painful situation into a new, fuller life
It was her first major Paralympic success, a personal victory that also began to change how people saw disability.

Extract 2: Sport and stereotypes

Honestly, I feel sports, especially Paralympics, have the extraordinary ability to challenge stereotypes and change attitudes towards disability. When people witness the strength, skill, and competitive spirit of para-athletes, it breaks down preconceived notions. Paralympics has given me a new lease of life and helped me push boundaries.

(1) · 1 mark · MCQ
The tone of the speaker is best described as:
(a) appreciative and optimistic
(b) moralistic and defensive
(c) sentimental and defensive
(d) bitter and angry
(2) · 1 mark · Very short answer
Complete the analogy with a word from the extract: ability : potential :: preconceived notions : ________
(3) · 1 mark · Very short answer
True or false: The Paralympics showcase abilities and also question stereotypes.
(4) · 1 mark · Very short answer
Which phrase suggests that she transformed her life?
(5) · 1 mark · Short answer
What does 'helped me push boundaries' tell us about her?

Show the answersAnswers

(a) appreciative and optimistic
stereotypes
True.
'a new lease of life'
She keeps going beyond limits others set for her, showing ambition and courage.

The World of Limitless Possibilities: exam-level solved questions

Ordered from exam level to HOTS. Cover the solution, write your own, then compare step by step.

Example 1: Achievements versus perceptions · 2 marks · Short answerExam level

Explain how Dr Malik's achievements challenge societal perceptions. Answer in 40-50 words.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Society underestimated her.
Medals and 'firsts' prove ability.
Shows limitations don't define potential.

Answer: Society often underestimated Dr Malik because of her disability. Her silver medal at Rio 2016 and her many 'firsts' as an Indian woman para-athlete prove otherwise. They show that physical limitations do not define potential, breaking the stereotype that disabled people cannot excel.

Example 2: Every setback, an opportunity · 2 marks · Short answerHarder exam level

'Every setback is an opportunity to prove your strength.' How might this be a lesson for everyone, not just sportspersons? Answer in 40-50 words.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Everyone faces setbacks: exams, jobs, illness.
Response matters more than the setback.
Learn, adapt, grow stronger.

Answer: Everyone faces setbacks, such as a poor exam result, a lost job or an illness. Dr Malik's words remind us that our response matters more than the setback itself. If we learn and adapt, as she did, a failure can become the start of our greatest strength.

Example 3: Is the title apt? · 2 marks · Short answerHarder exam level

Comment on the appropriateness of the title with reference to Dr Malik's attitude and achievements. Answer in 40-50 words.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Title comes from her own words.
Attitude: chose possibilities over remorse.
Achievements prove limits can be crossed.

Answer: The title comes from her own words: she chose to transform her life into 'a world of limitless possibilities' rather than live in remorse. Her silver medal, her 'firsts' and her advocacy prove that, with the right attitude, there are no fixed limits. The title is therefore apt.

Example 4: Deepa Malik's journey · 5 marks · Long answerHarder exam level

Describe Dr Deepa Malik's journey from tragedy to triumph. Answer in about 120-150 words.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Tragedy at 29: spine tumour, paralysis.
Choice: possibilities, not remorse; switch to para-athletics.
Challenges: society's perceptions; family support, fortitude.
Triumph: Rio 2016 silver; firsts; awards.
Mission and message.

Answer: At 29, Dr Deepa Malik was diagnosed with a spine tumour, and after surgery doctors said she would be in a wheelchair for life. She saw two paths: to 'squander' her life in remorse or to transform it. A lover of sports and a former swimmer, she chose para-athletics. Her greatest obstacle was society, which underestimated her. With her family's support and her own fortitude, she turned obstacles into stepping stones. Her breakthrough came at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, where she won silver in shot-put, becoming India's first woman Paralympic medallist. Honours such as the Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award and Padma Shri followed. Today she advocates inclusion and supports para sportspersons. Her journey shows that disability is no barrier to excellence.

Example 5: Gender equality in sport · 5 marks · Long answerHOTS / competency

Examine how Dr Malik's recognition as one of the 10 most inspirational women para-athletes contributes to the discourse on gender equality in sports. Answer in about 120-150 words.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Double barrier: gender and disability.
Global recognition by the IPC: role model.
Firsts for Indian women.
Her work empowering women through outdoor sport.
Effect on girls, families, policy; own view.

Answer: Women para-athletes often face a double barrier: society doubts women in sport, and it doubts people with disabilities. Dr Malik's recognition by the International Paralympic Committee as one of the 10 most inspirational women para-athletes challenges both doubts on a global stage. As India's first woman Paralympic medallist and the first Indian woman para-athlete to win an Asian Games medal in athletics, she proves that women can lead, not follow. She also works actively for women, empowering them through outdoor sports and adventure activities. Such recognition gives girls a visible role model, encourages families to support their daughters' sporting dreams and pushes sports bodies to provide equal facilities. In my view, her success shows that equality grows when achievements are seen and celebrated.

Example 6: Advocacy in schools · 2 marks · Short answerHOTS / competency

Suppose your school invites a para-athlete for an awareness session. What long-term impact could such sessions have? Answer in 40-50 words.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Dr Malik: youth is the voice of tomorrow.
Changes attitudes early.
Leads to inclusive classrooms and policies.

Answer: As Dr Malik says, youth is 'the voice of tomorrow'. Meeting a para-athlete can change students' attitudes early, replacing pity with respect. Over time, these students may build inclusive classrooms, accessible workplaces and fairer policies, creating a society where everyone gets a fair chance.

Where the marks are

How a typical answer is marked: the value points the examiner looks for and the marks each earns.

What can be the long-term impact of involving youth in disability advocacy? Answer in 40-50 words. (2 marks)

Step	Marks
Content: youth is the voice of tomorrow; early attitude change; more inclusive schools, workplaces and policies in future.	1
Expression.	1

How might 'ability beyond disability' serve as a guideline for future para-athletes? (120-150 words) (5 marks)

Step	Marks
Content: meaning of the idea; focus on potential.	1
Content: examples from Dr Malik's journey (choice, Rio, firsts).	1
Content: practical guidance (training, support, self-belief) and conclusion.	1
Expression.	1
Accuracy.	1

Where students lose marks in The World of Limitless Possibilities

The slips examiners see most often, and what to write instead.

Mistake: Saying she won gold, or in swimming
Mixing facts.
Wrong working
She won gold in swimming at Rio.
Right working
She won silver in shot-put at Rio 2016.
Do this: Swimming was her earlier sport; shot-put was her medal event.
Usually costs: 1 mark.
Mistake: Confusing India's first Paralympic medal with hers
Two 'firsts'.
Wrong working
Deepa Malik won India's first Paralympic medal in 1972.
Right working
India's first medal came in 1972 in swimming; she was India's first woman Paralympic medallist.
Do this: Note 'first female'.
Usually costs: 1 mark.
Mistake: Calling opinions facts
Not noticing 'I feel'.
Wrong working
'I feel it was a moment of personal victory' is a fact.
Right working
It is an opinion; the medal itself is the fact.
Do this: Look for belief words.
Usually costs: 1 mark.
Mistake: Notice over 50 words or without a box
Writing a letter-like notice.
Wrong working
Dear students, I am happy to inform you...
Right working
Boxed notice with organisation, NOTICE, date, heading, crisp details, signature and designation.
Do this: Count words; follow the format.
Usually costs: Format and content marks.

Practice questions on The World of Limitless Possibilities

Write each answer on paper first. Open the hint only if you are stuck, and the answer only when you have finished.

Q1 · 1 mark · MCQExam level
In which year did India win its first Paralympic medal?
(a) 1968
(b) 1972
(c) 2016
(d) 1984
Hint
Introduction.
Answer
(b) 1972
Q2 · 1 mark · Very short answerExam level
Identify the pair as fact-opinion or cause-effect: (i) 'In the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, I secured the silver medal in the shot-put event.' (ii) 'I feel it was a moment of personal victory.'
Hint
Can the second be proved?
Answer
Fact-opinion.
Q3 · 2 marks · Short answerExam level
What was the biggest challenge Dr Malik faced and how did she overcome it? Answer in 40-50 words.
Hint
Not physical.
Answer
Value points: societal perceptions; people underestimated her; mental resilience as well as physical strength; challenges as opportunities; family support plus fortitude; obstacles into stepping stones.
Model answer: Her biggest challenge was society's perception, as people underestimated her abilities. She overcame it with mental resilience, treating each challenge as a chance to prove herself. Her family's support and her own fortitude helped her turn obstacles into stepping stones.
Q4 · 1 mark · Very short answerHarder exam level
Name the modal and its function: 'I knew if I tried, I would win.'
Hint
The textbook's matching table.
Answer
'would': prediction.
Q5 · 1 mark · Very short answerHarder exam level
Report: Dr Malik said, 'I believe youth is the voice of tomorrow.'
Hint
Past reporting verb: back-shift.
Answer
Dr Malik said that she believed youth was the voice of tomorrow.
Q6 · 2 marks · Short answerHarder exam level
How does Dr Malik support others beyond winning medals? Answer in 40-50 words.
Hint
Four kinds of work.
Answer
Value points: emotional health of persons with challenges; empowering women through outdoor and adventure sports; support for lower socio-economic strata; equipment for para sportspersons; awareness sessions in schools and colleges.
Model answer: She works for the emotional health of persons with challenges and empowers women through outdoor and adventure sports. She supports people from poorer backgrounds, provides equipment to para sportspersons and holds disability-sports awareness sessions in schools and colleges.
Q7 · 5 marks · Long answerHOTS / competency
What have you learnt from this interview, and how will you apply it in your life? Answer in about 120-150 words.
Hint
Two or three lessons, each with a concrete action.
Answer
Value points: lessons (choice in response to setbacks; ability beyond disability; support system and self-belief; inclusion); applications (handling a failure, helping a classmate with a disability, joining awareness drives, not underestimating others); conclusion.
Model answer: The interview taught me three lessons. First, our response to a setback is a choice. Dr Malik could have lived in remorse after her paralysis, but she chose sport. When I fail a test, I will treat it as 'an opportunity to prove' my strength and plan better. Second, ability matters more than appearance or limitation. I will not underestimate anyone, and I will include a classmate who uses a wheelchair in our games and projects. Third, success needs both support and self-belief. I will build a circle of friends who encourage each other and believe in my own effort. Finally, like her, I want to speak up for inclusion, perhaps by suggesting ramps and accessible toilets in our school.
Q8 · 2 marks · Short answerHOTS / competency
Suppose a classmate says, 'Para-athletes win only because they compete against fewer people.' Respond in 40-50 words using the interview.
Hint
Strength, skill, competitive spirit; stereotypes.
Answer
Value points: preconceived notion; para-athletes train hard and show strength, skill and competitive spirit; global competition; Dr Malik's medals and 'firsts'; respect, not dismissal.
Model answer: That is exactly the kind of preconceived notion Dr Malik fights. Para-athletes train for years and compete against the best in the world, showing strength, skill and competitive spirit. Her Rio silver was earned, not given. We should respect such achievements, not belittle them.
Q9 · 3 marks · Short answerExam level
Writing task: As Sports Captain, draft a notice (not more than 50 words) inviting students to register for selection for an Inter-school Athletic Meet.
Hint
Name of school, NOTICE, date, heading, details, signature, name, designation; boxed.
Answer
Value points (format): school name, the word NOTICE, date, heading (e.g., Inter-school Athletic Meet: Selection Trials), signature, name, designation (Sports Captain), all in a box. Content: events (sprint, relay, long jump, shot-put), eligibility (Classes 6-12), date, time and venue of trials, how and by when to register (with the PE teacher), what to bring (sports kit). Within 50 words.

Test your recall

Answer in your head or on paper first, then open the card. Pulling an answer out of memory makes it stick far better than re-reading.

1.Who is the interviewee?Show answer
Dr Deepa Malik.
2.At what age was she diagnosed with a spine tumour?Show answer
29.
3.What sport had she done before?Show answer
Swimming.
4.What was her breakthrough event?Show answer
Silver in shot-put at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
5.Name her three awards mentioned.Show answer
Khel Ratna, Arjuna, Padma Shri.
6.What school of thought does she support?Show answer
'Ability beyond disability'.
7.Who does she call 'the voice of tomorrow'?Show answer
Youth.
8.What does 'fortitude' mean?Show answer
Strength to face adversity.

Quick revision checklist

The night before the exam: can you do each of these without looking?

Can you fill the fact table: age, result of surgery, Rio event, firsts, awards?
Can you explain the title in two sentences?
Can you name her biggest challenge and how she overcame it?
Can you list four parts of her advocacy?
Can you tell fact from opinion in her answers?
Can you report two of her statements?
Can you draft a 50-word boxed notice?

The World of Limitless Possibilities: frequently asked questions

Who is interviewed in The World of Limitless Possibilities?

Dr Deepa Malik, an Indian Paralympian and Khel Ratna, Arjuna and Padma Shri awardee.

What happened to Deepa Malik at the age of 29?

She was diagnosed with a spine tumour. After surgery, doctors said she would be in a wheelchair for life, as she was paralysed waist down.

What was Deepa Malik's breakthrough moment?

Winning the silver medal in shot-put at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.

Which 'firsts' does the interviewer mention?

She was the first Indian female para-athlete to win an Asian Games medal in athletics and India's first female Paralympic medallist in any sport.

When did India first take part in the Paralympics?

In 1968; India won its first Paralympic medal, in swimming, in 1972.

What does 'ability beyond disability' mean?

It means focusing on what a person can do rather than on their disability; a person's potential is not defined by physical limitations.

Based on: CBSE English Language syllabus, Class IX 2026-27 (R1 and R2); NCERT Kaveri, Textbook of English for Grade 9 (First Edition 2026), Unit 5: The World of Limitless Possibilities