Indian Athlete Preethi Pal Wins Historic Bronze at Paris Paralympics

Preethi Pal, a 23-year-old Indian athlete, has etched her name in Paralympic history by securing India’s first track and field medal at the Paris Paralympics. Pal achieved this feat with a personal best time of 14.21 seconds in the women’s T35 100m race, claiming the bronze medal. Pal’s journey to the podium is particularly inspiring. Born into a farming family in Muzaffarnagar, she faced significant physical challenges from birth. Despite facing adversity, Pal displayed immense resilience and determination, overcoming obstacles and finding her path to athletic success. Her journey began at the age of 17 when she was inspired by the Paralympic Games, and she began training at a local stadium. Pal’s international success in the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships, where she secured bronze in both the 100m and 200m events, laid the foundation for her Paralympic victory. Her bronze medal adds to India’s growing medal tally at the Paris Paralympics, following gold and bronze wins by Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 final.