Paris: Preeti Pal, a 23-year-old para-athlete from India, made history on Friday by winning the bronze medal in the Women’s T35 100m event at the Paris Paralympics. Pal clocked a personal best time of 14.21 seconds, securing India’s first para-athletics medal of the Games.
Competing against the world’s best, Pal held her own in a highly competitive field. The gold and silver medals went to China’s Zhou Xia and Guo Qianqian, who finished with times of 13.58 seconds and 13.74 seconds, respectively.
The T35 classification is designated for athletes with coordination impairments such as hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis, and cerebral palsy. Despite the challenges associated with these conditions, Pal’s journey to the Paralympics has been nothing short of inspirational.
Born into a farmer’s family, Preeti faced significant physical challenges from birth. Her lower body was plastered just six days after she was born due to weak legs and an irregular leg posture, making her prone to various diseases. She underwent traditional treatments to strengthen her legs, and by the age of five, she began wearing calipers, which she wore for eight years.
Against the odds, Preeti’s determination saw her through. At 17, she found inspiration while watching the Paralympic Games on social media. Determined to follow in the footsteps of the athletes she admired, she began practicing at a local stadium, despite financial constraints that made it difficult for her to afford transportation.
Her life took a significant turn when she met Paralympic athlete Fatima Khatoon, who introduced her to para-athletics. Under Khatoon’s mentorship, Preeti began competing in state-level para-athletics championships in 2018, quickly rising through the ranks to compete in national events.
Her breakthrough came when she qualified for the Asian Para Games in 2022, where she finished fourth in both the 100m and 200m sprints. Although she missed out on a podium finish, Preeti remained motivated and set her sights on the Paralympic Games.
Determined to improve, Preeti relocated to Delhi, where she trained under Coach Gajender Singh. Together, they focused on refining her running techniques, leading to significant improvements in her performance.
Preeti’s bronze medal in Paris is not just a testament to her hard work and perseverance, but also a historic achievement for India. It marks the country’s first-ever sprinting medal in the Paralympics, further solidifying her place in the annals of Indian sports history.
As India celebrates Preeti’s remarkable achievement, her story stands as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination that define the human spirit.
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