Preethi Pal Wikipedia, Biography: Preethi Pal is a remarkable para-athlete from India who has made history in the world of athletics. On August 30, 2024, she won a bronze medal in the women's 100m T35 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. This victory marked a significant milestone as it was India’s first-ever medal in a track event at the Paralympics. Preethi's journey to this achievement is inspiring and showcases her determination and resilience.
Early Life
Preethi Pal was born on September 22, 2000, in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. She was born into a farmer's family and faced many challenges from an early age. When she was born, her lower body was plastered for six days due to medical issues. This condition left her with weak legs and irregular posture, making her prone to various diseases.
To strengthen her legs, Preethi underwent several traditional treatments. At the age of five, she started wearing calipers, which she used for eight years. Despite the difficulties she faced, Preethi showed incredible strength and determination. Her family supported her through these tough times, and they encouraged her to overcome her physical challenges.
Preethi Pal Para Athletle Age, Wikipeda, Biography, Medal, Disability,
| Full Name | Preethi Pal |
| Date of Birth | September 22, 2000 |
| Place of Birth | Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Event | Women's 100m T35 |
| Paralympic Medal | Bronze (Paris 2024) |
| Personal Best | 14.21 seconds |
| Disability | Cerebral palsy, coordination impairment |
| Early Life | Born with lower body plastered for 6 days, used calipers from age 5-13 |
| Inspiration | Watched Paralympic Games videos at 17, realized she could pursue her dreams |
| Mentor | Met Paralympic athlete Fatima Khatoon, who introduced her to para-athletics |
| Major Achievements | |
| - | 4th place in 100m and 200m at Asian Para Games 2022 |
| - | Bronze medals in 100m and 200m at World Para Athletics Championships 2024 |
| - | 2 gold medals at Indian Open Para Athletics International Championship 2024 |
| - | 2 gold medals at National Para Athletics Championships 2024 |
| Training | Moved to Delhi, trained under coach Gajender Singh |
| Historic Feat | First Indian athlete to win a Paralympic medal in a track event |
Discovering Athletics
Preethi's life took a turn when she was 17 years old. She began watching videos of the Paralympic Games on social media. These videos inspired her to pursue athletics. She realized that she could also achieve her dreams, just like the athletes she admired. This inspiration motivated her to start training seriously.
However, Preethi faced financial difficulties that made it hard for her to travel to training sessions. Despite these challenges, she practiced at local stadiums whenever she could. Her dedication to improving her skills was evident.
Meeting a Mentor
A turning point in Preethi's life came when she met Fatima Khatoon, a Paralympic athlete. Fatima introduced her to the world of para-athletics and encouraged her to compete. With Fatima's support, Preethi participated in the State Para Athletics Championships in 2018. This was her first step into competitive athletics, and she quickly gained confidence in her abilities.
Preethi continued to compete in various national events, showcasing her talent and determination. Her hard work paid off when she qualified for the Asian Para Games in 2022, where she finished fourth in both the 100m and 200m sprints. Although she did not win a medal, this experience motivated her to aim higher.
Training And Preparation
To improve her performance, Preethi moved to New Delhi to train under coach Gajender Singh. This move was crucial for her development as an athlete. In Delhi, she trained with other experienced para-athletes, which helped her refine her running techniques. She learned about proper diet and nutrition, which contributed to her overall improvement.
Preethi's dedication led to significant progress in her running. She participated in the World Para Athletics Championships in 2024, where she won bronze medals in both the 100m and 200m events. These achievements boosted her confidence and prepared her for the upcoming Paralympics.
The Paris 2024 Paralympics
Preethi Pal's journey culminated at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. On August 30, 2024, she competed in the women's 100m T35 event. The T35 classification is for athletes with coordination impairments, including conditions like hypertonia, ataxia, and athetosis.
In the final, Preethi put on an impressive performance. She finished the race with a personal best time of 14.21 seconds, securing the bronze medal. She finished behind two Chinese athletes, Zhou Xia and Qianqian Guo, who won gold and silver, respectively. Preethi's achievement was historic, as it marked India's first medal in a track event at the Paralympics.
After her race, Preethi expressed her joy and disbelief at winning a medal. She stated, "I am feeling proud that I have won India's first track medal in the Paralympics." Her victory was celebrated across India, and many people were inspired by her story.
Dash for Bronze!
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) August 30, 2024
Congratulations to athlete Preethi Pal on winning the Bronze medal in Athletics Women's 100 T35 Final event at the Paris #Paralympics2024. pic.twitter.com/2QeQFQ5772
Overcoming Challenges
Preethi's journey to success has not been without challenges. She narrowly missed out on medals at the Asian Para Games in 2022, finishing fourth in both events. Instead of being discouraged, she used these experiences as motivation to work harder. Her resilience and determination are qualities that set her apart as an athlete.
Her training in New Delhi proved to be a game-changer. By competing with strong athletes and learning from experienced coaches, Preethi significantly improved her performance. She focused on refining her techniques and enhancing her physical fitness, which ultimately led to her success at the Paralympics.
Future Aspirations
After her historic win in the 100m event, Preethi Pal is now looking forward to competing in the 200m T35 event at the Paralympics. She hopes to replicate her success and bring home another medal for India. Preethi's journey is a testament to her hard work and dedication, and she aims to inspire other young athletes to pursue their dreams, regardless of the challenges they may face.
Legacy And Impact
Preethi Pal's achievement at the Paris 2024 Paralympics is not just a personal victory; it is a significant milestone for Indian para-athletics. Her success has opened doors for more recognition and support for para-athletes in India. It highlights the importance of inclusivity in sports and encourages young athletes with disabilities to pursue their dreams.
Her story resonates with many people, showing that determination and hard work can lead to success. Preethi's journey from a small town in Uttar Pradesh to the global stage of the Paralympics is inspiring. She has become a role model for aspiring athletes, proving that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible.
FAQs about Preethi Pal
1. Who is Preethi Pal?
Preethi Pal is an Indian para-athlete from Uttar Pradesh who competes in the women's 100m and 200m T35 events. She won a bronze medal in the 100m T35 event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, becoming the first Indian athlete to win a medal in a track event at the Paralympics.
2. What is Preethi Pal's Disability?
Preethi Pal has cerebral palsy, which falls under the T35 classification for athletes with coordination impairments such as hypertonia, ataxia, and athetosis.
3. When Was Preethi Pal Born?
Preethi Pal was born on September 22, 2000, in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
4. What Are Preethi Pal's Major Achievements?
- Bronze medal in the women's 100m T35 event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics
- Bronze medals in the 100m and 200m T35 events at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships
- 4th place in the 100m and 200m events at the 2022 Asian Para Games
- 2 gold medals at the 2024 Indian Open Para Athletics International Championship
- 2 gold medals at the 2024 National Para Athletics Championships
5. How did Preethi Pal Get Into Para-Athletics?
Preethi Pal found inspiration in watching the Paralympic Games on social media at the age of 17. She realized she could pursue her dreams in sports despite her disability. She met Paralympic athlete Fatima Khatoon, who introduced her to para-athletics and encouraged her to compete.
6. What Challenges did Preethi Pal Face Early In Life?
Preethi Pal was born with cerebral palsy, and her lower body was plastered for six days after birth. She had weak legs and an irregular posture, making her prone to various diseases. She underwent traditional treatments and wore calipers from age 5 to 13 to support her mobility.
7. How did Preethi Pal Prepare for the Paralympics?
Preethi Pal moved to Delhi to train under coach Gajender Singh. The move proved decisive as she trained with strong and experienced para-athletes. She focused on refining her running techniques, improving her diet, and overall fitness, which led to significant progress in her performance.
8. What was Preethi Pal's Performance at the 2024 Paralympics?
At the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Preethi Pal competed in the women's 100m T35 event. She recorded a personal best time of 14.21 seconds, finishing behind China's Zhou Xia (gold) and Qianqian Guo (silver). Her bronze medal was India's first in a track event at the Paralympics.
9. What are Preethi Pal's future Goals?
After her historic bronze medal in the 100m T35 event, Preethi Pal aims to compete in the women's 200m T35 event at the 2024 Paralympics. She hopes to win another medal and continue inspiring young athletes with disabilities to pursue their dreams in sports.
10. How has Preethi Pal's Achievement Impacted India?
Preethi Pal's bronze medal at the 2024 Paralympics is a significant milestone for Indian para-athletics. It has opened doors for more recognition and support for para-athletes in India. Her story has become an inspiration for aspiring athletes with disabilities, proving that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.