Indian para-athlete Preeti Pal has made a remarkable mark at the Paris Paralympics 2024 by winning not one but two bronze medals. Competing in the T35 category, Preeti first clinched the bronze in the 100m event and then followed it up with another stellar performance in the 200m race, bringing her total medal tally to two. With her achievements, Preeti has not only added to India’s growing medal count but also carved her name in history as the first Indian athlete to win two medals in the same Paralympic Games in track events.
Preeti’s success in the 200m T35 final was nothing short of extraordinary. She completed the race in 30.01 seconds, securing the third position and earning her second bronze of the Games. This followed her earlier triumph in the 100m T35 event, where she finished with a time of 14.21 seconds, a performance that also saw her break her record.
Born in Meerut, Preeti Pal’s journey to the Paralympics has been one of grit and determination. Despite being born with cerebral palsy and lacking access to adequate treatment in her hometown, Preeti’s passion for sports never wavered. Her drive and perseverance eventually led her to Delhi, where she trained under coach Gajendra Singh, who is also the mentor of another prominent Indian para-athlete, Simran Sharma.
Preeti’s achievements have brought immense pride to the nation, highlighting her as a beacon of inspiration for many aspiring athletes with disabilities. Her historic performance at the Paris Paralympics is a testament to her dedication and hard work, proving that with the right support and determination, anything is possible.
As India continues to celebrate Preeti’s success, two more medals have been confirmed for the country on the fourth day of the Games. Para-badminton player Nitesh Kumar secured a spot in the final of the Men’s Singles SL3 category, guaranteeing at least a silver medal for India. Meanwhile, Suhas Yathiraj, another Indian para-badminton player, reached the final of the SL4 category by defeating fellow Indian Sukant Kadam, ensuring another medal for the country.
These victories follow India’s first medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024, won by shooter Avani Lekhara, who took home the gold in the 10m air rifle SH1 event. Avani’s success was soon followed by Mona Agarwal’s bronze in the same event. Additionally, Manish Narwal secured a silver medal in the 10m air pistol SH1, and Rubina Francis added to the tally with a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol SH1 category.
As the Paralympics continue, India’s athletes are showcasing their exceptional skills and determination, bringing home medals and making the nation proud.
