Preeti Pal made history at the 2024 Paris Paralympics by securing her second bronze medal in the Women’s 200m T35 event, becoming the first Indian woman track and field athlete to win two medals in a single Paralympics.
A Historic Achievement
On Sunday, Preeti clocked her personal best time of 30.01 seconds to finish third behind China’s Xia Zhou and Guo Qianqian, who won gold and silver with times of 28.15 seconds and 29.09 seconds, respectively. This victory followed her earlier success in the Women’s 100m T35 event, where she also won bronze with a personal best of 14.21 seconds.
Breaking New Ground for India
Preeti’s achievements are groundbreaking for Indian athletics, as she is the first Indian woman to win medals in track events at the Paralympics. Before her, all of India’s Paralympic medals in athletics had come from field events since the 1984 edition.
Overcoming Challenges
Born into a farmer’s family in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, Preeti faced significant physical challenges from birth, with her lower body being plastered for six days. Despite weak legs and an irregular posture, she underwent various traditional treatments, including wearing calipers for eight years from the age of five.
A Journey of Perseverance
Preeti’s journey to the Paralympics began when she was 17 and discovered para-athletics through social media. Her life changed when she met Paralympic athlete Fatima Khatoon, who introduced her to the sport and supported her through state and national competitions. She later trained under coach Gajender Singh in Delhi, fine-tuning her techniques and earning bronze medals in both the 100m and 200m at the World Para Athletics Championships.
A Nation’s Pride
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Preeti on her remarkable achievement, tweeting, “More glory for India as Preeti Pal wins a Bronze medal in the 100m T35 event at the #Paralympics2024. Congratulations to her. This success will certainly motivate budding athletes.”
Looking Ahead
Preeti’s success in Paris is a testament to her determination and resilience. She will continue to compete in the T35 200m event, where she previously won a bronze at the World Para Athletics Championships. Her story inspires many and marks a significant milestone in India’s Paralympic history.
