Preethi Pal made history on Sunday, becoming the first Indian woman track and field athlete to win two medals at the Paralympics, while Nishad Kumar secured his second consecutive silver in the men’s high jump T47 category at the Paris Games.
At just 23 years old, Preethi clinched her second bronze in the 200m T35 category with a personal best time of 30.01 seconds, following her earlier bronze in the 100m T35 category on Friday. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Nishad cleared 2.04 meters, earning India’s third para-athletics medal and seventh overall at the Games.
In the women’s 200m T35 final, China’s Zhou Xia claimed gold with a time of 28.15 seconds, while Guo Qianqian secured silver with 29.09 seconds. Preethi’s achievement makes her only the second Indian woman to win two medals in a single Paralympics, following Avani Lekhara’s gold and bronze in Tokyo three years ago.
Preethi’s journey to Paralympic success is nothing short of extraordinary. Hailing from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, she is the daughter of a farmer. On Friday, she made history by winning India’s first track medal in a Paralympic track event with her 100m T35 bronze, clocking 14.21 seconds.
Her path to glory has been marked by overcoming significant physical challenges. Born with weak legs and an irregular leg posture, Preethi wore calipers for eight years starting at the age of five and underwent traditional treatments to strengthen her legs. Her life began to change at 17 when she discovered the Paralympic Games on social media and met Paralympic athlete Fatima Khatoon, who introduced her to the world of para-athletics.
Nishad Kumar’s performance also deserves recognition. His silver medal in the men’s high jump T47 category is his second consecutive one, solidifying his position as one of India’s top para-athletes.
These remarkable athletes continue to inspire with their determination and resilience, bringing pride to India on the global stage.
