In a historic achievement at the Paris Paralympics 2024, Indian para-athlete Preethi Pal etched her name in the annals of sports history by becoming the first Indian woman track and field athlete to win two medals at the Paralympics.
Alongside her, Nishad Kumar clinched his second successive silver in the men’s high jump T47 category, marking a significant milestone for Indian para-athletics.
Preethi Pal’s Remarkable Journey
Preethi Pal, a 23-year-old para-sprinter from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, showcased her indomitable spirit and exceptional talent by securing two bronze medals in the 100m and 200m T35 categories. Her journey to Paralympic glory is a testament to her resilience and determination.
Born with weak legs and an irregular leg posture, Preethi faced significant physical challenges from birth. Her lower body was plastered for six days after birth, and she wore calipers for eight years from the age of five. Despite these challenges, she underwent various traditional treatments to strengthen her legs.
At the age of 17, Preethi’s perspective began to change when she watched the Paralympic Games on social media. She met Paralympic athlete Fatima Khatoon, who introduced her to para-athletics. This encounter ignited her passion for the sport and set her on the path to success.
Historic Achievements
- 100m T35 Bronze: Preethi clinched her first bronze medal in the 100m T35 category with a personal best time of 14.21 seconds. This achievement marked India’s first athletics medal in a Paralympics track event.
- 200m T35 Bronze: She followed up her success with another bronze in the 200m T35 category, clocking a personal best time of 30.01 seconds. This made her the first Indian woman to earn two track and field medals at the Paralympics.
Preethi Pal has made the nation proud by winning second Bronze 🥉 at the same edition of #ParisParalympics2024 in the Women’s 200m T35 event 🏃♀️
Nishad Kumar clinched silver medal 🥈🇮🇳 in Men’s high jump T47.
Let’s celebrate the achievements of our athletes!! pic.twitter.com/iNzEhxMATZ
— Sachin Pilot (@SachinPilot) September 2, 2024
Nishad Kumar’s Silver Streak
Nishad Kumar, a 24-year-old high jumper from Una, Himachal Pradesh, continued his impressive form by winning his second successive silver in the men’s high jump T47 category. His journey is equally inspiring, marked by determination and perseverance.
Nishad lost his right hand in a grass-cutting machine accident at the age of six. Despite this setback, he was inspired by his mother, a state-level volleyball player and discus thrower, to pursue sports passionately. Initially involved in wrestling and athletics, Nishad eventually focused on the high jump. In 2017, he received professional coaching and began to excel in the sport
Nishad cleared 2.04 meters to win the silver medal in the men’s high jump T47 category. This marked his second consecutive silver at the Paralympics, following his success in Tokyo three years ago.
Nishad faced stiff competition from world record holder and defending champion Townsend Roderick of the USA, who won gold with a jump of 2.12 meters. Despite the tough competition, Nishad’s performance was commendable.
