NEW DELHI: Preeti Pal made history on Friday by becoming the first Indian to secure a para-athletics medal at the Paralympics. The para-athlete from Muzaffarnagar clinched the bronze in the women’s 100m T35 race, achieving a personal best time of 14.21 at the 2024 Summer Games in Paris. China’s Xia Zhou and Qianqian Guo claimed the gold and silver medals, clocking times of 13.58 and 13.74, respectively.
The T35 classification is designated for athletes with coordination impairments, encompassing conditions such as hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis, and cerebral palsy.
Born on September 22, 2000, to a farming family, Preeti Pal faced substantial physical challenges from birth. Her lower body was plastered just six days after she was born, leaving her with weak legs and an irregular leg posture, making her susceptible to various ailments. She underwent several traditional treatments to strengthen her legs.
At the tender age of five, Preeti began wearing calipers, which she continued to use for eight years. Despite many doubting her chances of survival, Preeti proved to be a true warrior, overcoming life-threatening situations and emerging triumphant, showcasing her incredible strength and resilience.
When Preeti turned 17, her outlook on life began to change as she watched the Paralympic Games on social media. Inspired by what she saw, she realized that she, too, could pursue her dreams. Determined to improve, she started practicing at the stadium, but financial constraints made it challenging for her to afford transportation. Her life took a turn when she encountered Paralympic athlete Fatima Khatoon, who introduced her to the world of para-athletics.
With Fatima’s guidance and support, Preeti participated in the State Para Athletics Championships in 2018 and subsequently competed in various national events. Her dedication and hard work paid off when she qualified for the Asian Para Games 2022, where she finished 4th in both the 100m and 200m sprints.
Although she didn’t secure a medal at the Asian Para Games, Preeti remained undeterred and set her sights on the Paralympic Games. She relocated to Delhi to train under the guidance of Coach Gajender Singh. Together, they concentrated on refining her running techniques, resulting in notable enhancements in her performance.
The T35 classification is designated for athletes with coordination impairments, encompassing conditions such as hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis, and cerebral palsy.
Born on September 22, 2000, to a farming family, Preeti Pal faced substantial physical challenges from birth. Her lower body was plastered just six days after she was born, leaving her with weak legs and an irregular leg posture, making her susceptible to various ailments. She underwent several traditional treatments to strengthen her legs.
At the tender age of five, Preeti began wearing calipers, which she continued to use for eight years. Despite many doubting her chances of survival, Preeti proved to be a true warrior, overcoming life-threatening situations and emerging triumphant, showcasing her incredible strength and resilience.
When Preeti turned 17, her outlook on life began to change as she watched the Paralympic Games on social media. Inspired by what she saw, she realized that she, too, could pursue her dreams. Determined to improve, she started practicing at the stadium, but financial constraints made it challenging for her to afford transportation. Her life took a turn when she encountered Paralympic athlete Fatima Khatoon, who introduced her to the world of para-athletics.
With Fatima’s guidance and support, Preeti participated in the State Para Athletics Championships in 2018 and subsequently competed in various national events. Her dedication and hard work paid off when she qualified for the Asian Para Games 2022, where she finished 4th in both the 100m and 200m sprints.
Although she didn’t secure a medal at the Asian Para Games, Preeti remained undeterred and set her sights on the Paralympic Games. She relocated to Delhi to train under the guidance of Coach Gajender Singh. Together, they concentrated on refining her running techniques, resulting in notable enhancements in her performance.
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