Preethi Pal bags bronze in women's T35 100m at Paralympics
Preethi Pal, a 23-year-old Indian athlete, has brought pride to the nation with her bronze medal victory in the women's T35 100m event at the Paris Paralympics. She accomplished this with a personal best time of 14.21 seconds. This victory marks India's first medal in para-athletics at these games. Chinese athletes Zhou Xia and Guo Qianqian claimed the gold and silver medals with timings worth 13.58 and 13.74 seconds, respectively, with Zhou completing her three-peat by winning gold thrice.
Pal's journey to Paralympic success
Pal was born into a farming family in Muzaffarnagar and faced major physical challenges from birth. Just six days after her arrival, her lower body was plastered to address weak legs and irregular posture. At age five, she began wearing calipers for eight years to strengthen her legs. Despite these difficulties, Pal showed extraordinary strength and resilience, overcoming life-threatening conditions.
Pal's introduction to para-athletics and early achievements
At 17, Pal's life changed dramatically after being inspired by the Paralympic Games on social media. Despite financial challenges, she started training at a local stadium. Her entry into para-athletics was facilitated by Fatima Khatoon, a Paralympic athlete who saw her potential. Under Khatoon's mentorship, Pal competed in the State Para Athletics Championships in 2018 and took part in various national events.
Pal's previous achievements and India's medal tally
Before her Paralympic triumph, Pal had already distinguished herself internationally by securing bronze medals in both the 100m and 200m events at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships. Her bronze is India's first medal in a track and field event at the Para Games. It also adds to India's medal tally at the Para Games, following gold and bronze wins by Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 final.
