India’s Preethi Pal secured a bronze medal in the women’s T35 100m event at the Paris Paralympics with a personal best time of 14.21 seconds, marking India’s first medal in para-athletics at these games. The T35 classification is designated for athletes with coordination impairments, including conditions such as cerebral palsy.
Preethi’s journey to this achievement is nothing short of inspiring. Born to a farmer’s family, she faced significant physical challenges from birth.
Her lower body was plastered just six days after she was born due to weak legs and irregular posture. Despite being prone to various health issues, she underwent traditional treatments to strengthen her legs and began wearing calipers at the age of five, which she continued to wear for eight years.
Defying the odds, Preethi showed immense strength and resilience, overcoming life-threatening conditions. Her outlook on life changed at 17 when she watched the Paralympic Games on social media, sparking a dream within her to pursue athletics.
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Although she did not win a medal at the Asian Para Games, Preethi remained determined and moved to Delhi to train under Coach Gajender Singh. Their hard work paid off when she was selected for the 2024 World Para Athletics Championship, where she won bronze medals in both the 100m and 200m events.
Preethi’s achievement in Paris is a testament to her perseverance and determination, symbolizing hope and inspiration for many others facing similar challenges.
Meanwhile, Just five months before the Paris Paralympics, 22-year-old Avani Lekhara, India’s shooting prodigy, underwent surgery to remove gallbladder stones—a condition that had troubled her for more than a year. The constant pain had disrupted her training, compelling her to undergo the procedure in March, resolute in her goal to excel at the upcoming games.
On Friday, Avani triumphed in the women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 final at the Chateauroux Shooting Range, clinching the gold medal. This victory marks her third Paralympic medal, adding to the gold and bronze she earned at the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago.
