India secured its first athletics medal at the Paris Paralympics with Preeti Pal winning bronze in the Women’s 100m – T35 Final. The 23-year-old sprinter clocked a personal best time of 14.21 seconds. China’s Zhou Xia won gold with a time of 13.58 seconds, while Guo Qianqian took silver in 13.74 seconds.
Preeti’s impressive performance marks a significant milestone in her athletic career. She previously won bronze at the World Para-Athletics Championship 2024 and gold at both the Indian Open Para Athletics International Championship and the National Para Athletics Championship earlier this year.
From Adversity to Triumph
Preeti, from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, overcame significant physical challenges from birth. Born with weak legs and an irregular posture, she endured various treatments and wore callipers from a young age. Despite these obstacles, she excelled in para-sports after discovering her passion at 17.
Training under coach Gajender Singh in New Delhi, Preeti refined her technique, which contributed to her recent success. She first gained international recognition at the Asian Para Games and achieved her initial international medals at the World Para Athletics Championship.
Preeti now aims for another medal in the 200m event at the Paris Paralympics, continuing her remarkable journey from adversity to athletic achievement.
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