In a momentous achievement, Preethi Pal secured India’s first-ever medal in the 100m event at the Paralympics, clinching a bronze in the women’s 100m T35 event at the Paris 2024 Games on Friday, August 30. The 24-year-old athlete from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, clocked a personal best of 14.21 seconds, making history as the first Indian to win a medal in this category at the Paralympics.
Preethi’s outstanding performance placed her third, just behind the Chinese duo of Xia Zhou and Qianqian Gou, who dominated the race. Xia Zhou claimed the gold with a season-best time of 13.58 seconds, while Qianqian Gou secured silver, setting a personal best of 13.74 seconds.
A Historic Achievement
This bronze marks India’s third medal at the 17th Summer Paralympic Games, adding to the nation’s growing tally of achievements on the global stage. Preethi, who had earlier won a bronze at the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, earlier this year, came into the Paris Games as a strong contender. Despite narrowly missing out on medals at the Para Asian Games in Hangzhou last year, her determination and hard work paid off on the grand stage in Paris.
Women’s 100m T35 Event Results:
- Xia Zhou (China) – 13.58 (SB)
- Qianqian Gou (China) – 13.74 (PB)
- Preethi Pal (India) – 14.21 (PB)
Preethi’s journey to this historic podium finish was not without its challenges. Her performance in Kobe, where she secured her spot in the Paris finals, was a testament to her resilience. The bronze in Paris not only cements her place among the world’s best but also inspires a new generation of Indian athletes to aspire to Paralympic glory.
India’s Medal Rush in Paris
On the same day, India saw more success as star shooter Avani Lekhara won a historic gold in the women’s 10m air rifle event, while Mona Agarwal claimed a bronze, opening India’s medal account in Paris. With more events lined up, including Manish Narwal’s participation in the men’s 10m air pistol finals, India’s prospects at the 2024 Paralympics look promising.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram
