Preethi Pal has won the bronze medal in the Women's T35 100m event. She has become the first Indian athlete to win a medal in the track event of the Paralympics. She also broke her personal record by completing the race in 14.21 seconds. Zhou Xia and Guo Qianqian of China won the gold and silver medals respectively. 

Background

Born into a farming family, Preeti was struck by cerebral palsy just six days after her birth. Her condition required her lower body to be encased in plaster, making her vulnerable to numerous health complications. By the age of five, her condition had deteriorated to the point where she had to use calipers for walking, relying on them for eight years to support her mobility.

Despite the dire prognosis and the doubts cast by those around her, Preethi's indomitable spirit and resilience defied the odds. Her courage not only helped her overcome the physical challenges but also led her to a path of triumph, proving that with determination and perseverance, she could achieve anything.

Inspiration

Preethi Pal found inspiration in the Paralympic Games she watched on social media. She thought to herself, "If they can do it, why can't I?" Driven by this belief, she pressed on with unwavering determination. Despite facing financial challenges and other obstacles, she remained steadfast in her practice. A pivotal moment came when she met Paralympic athlete Fatima Khatoon, whose mentorship profoundly impacted Preethi’s journey. Fatima’s guidance became a crucial part of Preethi's path to success.

Achievements

With Fatima's support, Preethi Pal achieved remarkable success, finishing fourth at the 2022 Asian Para Games. Her impressive achievements continued with two gold medals at the Indian Open Para Athletics International Championship in 2024, as well as two bronze medals at the World Para Athletics Championships the same year. She also secured two gold medals at the National Para Athletics Championships in 2024. Despite her disappointment with the Asian Games, Preeti remained undeterred. She channeled her energy into preparing for the Paralympic Games, training in Delhi under coach Gajendra Singh. By addressing her weaknesses and honing her skills, her relentless dedication and hard work are now yielding remarkable results.