Preethi Pal won India’s first Paralympic track medal, securing bronze in the women’s 100m T35 class at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, achieving a personal best of 14.21 seconds. Earlier, India earned gold and bronze in para shooting events. Preethi aims to continue her success in the upcoming 200m event, reflecting her training adaptations and aspirations.

At the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Preethi Pal achieved a remarkable milestone by winning a bronze medal in the women’s 100m T35 class, marking the first time an Indian athlete secured a Paralympic track event medal. The 23-year-old para-athlete recorded a personal best of 14.21 seconds, finishing behind China’s Zhou Xia and Qianqian Guo, who posted times of 13.58 and 13.74 seconds, respectively.

The T35 category includes athletes with coordination impairments such as hypertonia and ataxia. This accomplishment adds to India’s total medal count at the Paris 2024 Games, with Preethi’s bronze being the third medal earned, following gold and bronze medals won in 10m air rifle shooting by Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal.

Preethi’s journey to the Paralympics began with her bronze finish in the women’s 200m T35 at the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, earlier this year. Expressing her aspirations, she stated, “Before I came to Paris, I hoped to get a medal as in the worlds – I got the bronze medal, so I thought I could do it at these Paralympics.”

After facing disappointment at the Asian Para Games last year, where she finished fourth, Preethi credited her transition to training in New Delhi with strengthening her performance. She remarked, “The move has improved me so much as a runner, learning about diet and other things.”

Looking ahead, Preethi is set to compete in the women’s 200m T35 class, with the final scheduled for Sunday. Her commitment to improvement and her historic achievement highlight her determination and potential for future success.

Preethi Pal’s bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics represents a historic achievement for India in track events at the Paralympics. Her personal best performance signifies her dedication and growth as an athlete. With upcoming competitions in the 200m T35 class, Preethi’s journey reflects not only her resilience but also the evolving support for para-athletes in India.

Original Source: www.olympics.com

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